Lagos security guard nabbed in Benue for stealing employer’s N16m property

By Paul Iyoghojie

Police from the Ikoyi division in Lagos have arrested a security guard in Gboko, Benue State, who allegedly stole N16 million worth of property from his employer in Ikoyi and fled.

The suspect, 30-year-old Henry Hemen Hungwua, is accused of betraying his employer, NICOM Development and Investment Limited, by stealing various items, including a Nissan truck worth N7 million, a Hilux van (registration PST 39 CL) valued at N8 million, a refrigerator priced at N550,000, a microwave oven worth N350,000, and two rectifiers valued at N250,000, totaling N16 million. After the theft, he fled to Benue State.

Upon receiving the complaint, the Divisional Police Officer of Ikoyi, CSP Arit Abang, ordered a team to locate the suspect and recover the stolen goods.

The police team tracked Hungwua to Gboko, Benue State, where they arrested him and brought him back to Lagos.

Following an investigation led by ASP Itafor Ernest, Hungwua was charged with conspiracy and stealing at the Tinubu Magistrate’s Court in Lagos Island.

Prosecutor Inspector Ishola Samuel informed the court that the offences occurred between January and April 2024 at 22 Chris Ali Crescent, Abacha Estate, Ikoyi.

Samuel stated that Hungwua, hired as a security guard to protect the property, instead stole items worth N16 million and fled to Benue State, where he was later apprehended. He added that the offences are punishable under sections 411 and 287(7) of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.

Hungwua pleaded not guilty, and Magistrate A.A. Paul granted him bail of N500,000 with two sureties in the same amount.

The case was adjourned to August 28, 2025, for mention, and Hungwua was ordered to remain in custody at the Ikoyi Correctional Facility until he meets the bail conditions.