Trader Docked For Stealing

A 39-year-old trader, Evaristus Eze, charged with breaking into a shop to steal some goods, was on Monday arraigned in an Ikeja Magistrate’s’ Court in Lagos.

Eze, a resident of Iyalode Street, Agege, Lagos, is being tried for conspiracy, burglary and stealing.

According to the prosecutor, Insp. Essien Ndarake, the accused committed the offences at 6 a.m. on May 12 in Agege market, Lagos.

He said that the accused and one other, still at large, conspired to break into the shop of Mr Kehinde Kasali to steal his goods.

“The accused stole a steel pot, a set of big pots, a set of small pots, one big basin, small basin and 24 pieces of metal buckets, all valued at N170,000,” he said.

Ndarake said that the accused was caught by the guards, but the accomplice drove off when he sighted security men.

“The accused was apprehended while his partner escaped with the stolen goods.

“The offences contravene sections 287, 309 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised),” he said.

Section 309 prescribes a seven-year jail term for burglary.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the offences and was granted bail in the sum of N50,000, with two sureties in like sum.

The Magistrate, Mr I.M Dan-Oni, adjourned the case until June 1 for mention