Trader Nabbed For Stealing N365,000 At ATM

A trader, Ajani Kazeem, who allegedly conspired with others still at large to steal N365, 000 with an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card, was on Thursday brought before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.

Kazeem, 32, who resides at No. 77, Ikija St., Abeokuta, Ogun, is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and threat to life to which he pleaded not guilty.

Police prosecutor Babaji Ishaku alleged that the accused stole the sum of N365, 000 from the Access Bank account of the complainant, Mrs Ganiyat Jolaosho.

He said the offence was committed on Feb. 7 at about 9.00 a.m. at Kola Bus Stop in Alagbado, a Lagos suburb.

“The accused accosted one Jolaosho Ahmed, the son of the owner of the account and forcefully took the ATM card from him.

“The accused asked Ahmed to assist him with some money for his treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

“Suddenly, the accused and his accomplice overpowered the complainant and forcefully took the ATM card belonging to his mother.

“The accused held him hostage, went to the bank and withdrew the sum of N365, 000,” Ishaku told the court.

The prosecutor said the accused was later caught on Feb. 13 at Ahmadiya area of Alagbado by the complainant, who sighted him and raised alarm.

The offences contravened Sections 56, 285 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

Section 285 provides for three years imprisonment for stealing, while Section 409a stipulates two years.

The Magistrate, J.A. Adegun, granted the accused N100,000 bail and two sureties in the like sum.

Adegun said the sureties, who should be gainfully employed, should also show evidence of two years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government as part of the bail condition.

The case was adjourned to March 6 for mention.