3 Docked Over N5m Theft

Three men have been arraigned before the Abule Egba Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria for stealing N5 million.

The men, Usman Abdullahi, 20, Kazeem Tunde, 30 and Jubril Zakari were docked on a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and breach of peace.

They allegedly committed the offence in company of others who are now at large.

The police prosecutor, Inspector Lugard Ahonle said the offences are punishable under Sections 516(A), 390 (9) and 429(d) of the Criminal Code, Cap.C.17, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.

Count two of the charge reads: “That you, Usman Abdullahi, Kazeem Tunde and Jubril Zakari on 14 August, 2011 at the abbatoir complex, Oko-Oba, Agege, Lagos in Ikeja magisterial district did conspire to steal gear boxes worth N5 million, properties of Alhaji Kamoru Bolarinwa and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 390(9), Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.”

Count three reads: “That you, the accused persons, on the aforementioned date and place in the Ikeja magisterial district did conduct yourselves in a manner likely to cause breach of peace and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 429(d), Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.”

The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges and the presiding magistrate, Mr. O.A. Komolafe admitted them on bail in the sum of N100,000 each with one surety each who must be a community leader or a religious leader.

Komolafe ordered that the sureties must also show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

In addition, the sureties must present evidence of payment of NEPA bill and house rent to the prosecutor for verification.

The magistrate adjourned the case till a later date for hearing.

—Ibrahim Bakare