Lagos sales managers, woman arraigned after being accused of N200m theft

By Paul Iyoghojie

Three sales managers and a woman accused of receiving stolen goods have been arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court in Lagos over the alleged theft of event equipment valued at N200 million belonging to their employer.

The defendants-Jedidiah Solomon, 42; Danjuma Mohammed, 36; Aminu Ibrahim, 40; and Anestasia Okonkwo, 39, were arrested by operatives of the Tactical Team of Area ‘A’ Command, Lagos Island, following investigations into the alleged theft.

According to the police, the three men were employed by LUXE Rental Services as sales managers responsible for overseeing the rental of event equipment to customers.

They allegedly took advantage of their positions to cart away hundreds of items belonging to the company while the owner was away.

Police alleged that the suspects stole 531 pieces of VIP luxury furniture, 605 event chairs and tables, and artificial decorative flowers, all valued at about N200 million, before fleeing and allegedly selling the items to Okonkwo, who was accused of knowingly receiving the stolen property.

The complainant and Chief Executive Officer of LUXE Rental Services, Ms. Unyime Akpaffiong, reportedly discovered the disappearance of the equipment and the absence of the managers upon her return.

She subsequently petitioned the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Area ‘A’ Command.

Acting on the petition, the command’s Tactical Team launched an investigation and tracked the fleeing suspects to separate hideouts across Lagos, where they were arrested. The suspects later led detectives to the arrest of Okonkwo.

Following investigations led by Inspector Suleiman Olabode and his team, the four defendants were arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing and receiving stolen property.

The prosecutor told the court that the offences were allegedly committed between 2025 and 2026 in the Lekki-Ajah area of Lagos.

He alleged that the defendants conspired to steal their employer’s property and disposed of the items through the fourth defendant.

According to the prosecution, the alleged offences contravene Sections 411, 287(7) and 323 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Defence counsel, Augustine Okeh, urged the court to grant his clients bail on liberal terms, assuring the court that they would not abscond if released.

The presiding magistrate granted each defendant N1 million bail with two sureties in like sum.

The case was adjourned until August 19, 2026, for mention, while the defendants were ordered to be remanded at the Ikoyi and Kirikiri Correctional Centres pending the perfection of their bail conditions.