Security guards, storekeeper, nabbed, accused of ₦192m diesel theft

Four employees of VIVA Project Limited and an alleged accomplice have been remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Facility after they were arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, for allegedly stealing 175 litres of diesel valued at ₦192,500,000 from their employer.

The employees-security guards Abel Bamidele, 34, and Alhaji Baba Kolo, 32; storekeeper Seidu Amuzu, 40; and alleged receiver of stolen property, Akin Omotatyo, 29, were arrested by operatives of the Maroko Division of the Lagos State Police Command.

According to the police, the employees allegedly conspired to steal the diesel at midnight after official working hours and subsequently sold it to Omotatyo.

The alleged theft was uncovered when the management of VIVA Project Limited discovered the missing diesel and reported the matter to the Maroko Police Division in Lekki, leading to the swift arrest of the suspects.

The defendants were charged on a three-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

Police prosecutor Reuben Solomon told the court, in charge number P/67/2025, that the offences were committed on 19 November 2025 at the company’s premises on Water Corporation Drive, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Solomon alleged that the four employees acted in concert to siphon their employer’s diesel and sell it illicitly. He said the offences contravene Sections 411, 287(7) and 328 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The defendants pleaded not guilty.

Presiding Magistrate Mrs N. Oseni Wahab granted each of the defendants ₦50,000 bail with two sureties in like sum.

She adjourned the matter to 4 December 2025 for mention and ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Facility pending the fulfilment of their bail conditions.