Lotto Agent Docked For Theft

A 35 year-old man, Saheed Taiwo has been arraigned before a Cele Magistrate’s court, Isolo, Lagos State on a two-count charge of theft.

The lotto agent was alleged to have conspired with some others who were on the run to commit felony to wit stealing the sum of N665,000 at Ago- Okota in August 2010.

The accused who worked for the complainant, Mr Yakubu Ndolemah, as one of his agents denied stealing the money.

“After the proceedings of each day, the money we get, we deliver to Mr. Ndolemah. There was a day I was going home from the close of work, I entered a one chance bus , they took away the whole of the money we made from me. I did not steal the money for my own use” , he explained.

Taiwo was charged with conspiracy and stealing, punishable under Sections 517 and 390(9) of the criminal code cap. C 17 vol. II Laws of Lagos state of Nigeria, 2003.

Count two of the charge read: “That you, Saheed Taiwo and others at large sometimes in August 2010 at Ago-Okota area in the Mushin Magisterial District did conspired together to commit felony to wit stealing and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 517 of the criminal code cap. C17 vol. II Laws of Lagos state of Nigeria, 2003.

“On the same date, time and place in the aforementioned magisterial district did steal N665,000 property of one Yakubu Ndolemah and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 390(9) of the criminal code cap. C17 vol. II Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the to the charges.

The presiding Magistrate, Mrs. C.T. Adesola Ikpatt , granted him bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in the like sum.

She ordered that the sureties must present their present residential address, must show evidence of payment of tax to the Lagos State Government and they must have a means of livelihood.

The case has been adjourned till 16 May 2011 for mention.

Taiwo was unable to perfect the bail condition in good time, he was therefore ordered to be remanded in prison custody.

—Henrieta Ikhile