Lagos driver Bello accused of diverting customer’s N293m Spare Parts remanded

By Paul Iyoghojie

Operatives of the Zone 2 Command, Lagos, has arrested a haulage truck driver, Muhammed Bello, and charged him at a Lagos Magistrates’ Court for allegedly diverting and stealing N293 million worth of Caterpillar spare parts entrusted to him by a client for delivery to a customer in northern Nigeria.

According to the police, the complainant had contracted Bello in Apapa to transport the goods for a fee. However, instead of delivering them to the intended recipient, the driver allegedly diverted and sold the spare parts.

The police further alleged that when the complainant contacted Bello to confirm delivery, he falsely claimed that armed robbers had attacked him and stolen the truck along with the goods.

Investigations revealed this claim to be untrue.

Following the incident, the complainant petitioned the Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, who instructed a special team to locate and arrest the fugitive driver.

Through intelligence gathering and tracking, the police apprehended Bello at a hideout in Lagos.

After a detailed investigation led by Inspector Ayo Odudu and his team, Bello was charged before the Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, sitting at Tinubu Magistrates’ Court, Lagos Island. The charges included conspiracy and theft.

The prosecution counsel, ASP Francis Igbinosa, informed the court that Bello committed the offences on 20 April 2024, at 16/18 Ado Avenue, Apapa, Lagos.

He stated that Bello had betrayed the trust placed in him by the complainant by diverting and selling the spare parts.

The alleged offences contravened sections 411 and 287(5)(a)(b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Bello pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Chief Magistrate Gbajumo Ayoku granted him bail of N2 million, with two sureties in like sum.

However, Bello was remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Facility pending the perfection of his bail conditions.

The case was adjourned to a later date.