CCTV exposes Lagos security guard Jones in N2m Air Conditioner theft

By Paul Iyoghojie

Police from the Maroko Division of the Lagos State Command have arrested a 31-year-old security guard, Monday Etim Jones, for allegedly stealing a 3-horsepower Samsung air conditioner valued at N2 million.

The item he stole belonged to his employer, Joyce Dike Udesi, while she was away on a trip.

According to the police, Jones, in collaboration with a gardener who is still at large, removed the air conditioner from his employer’s apartment and sold it.

However, the theft was captured on the building’s CCTV cameras, unknown to the suspects.

Upon returning and discovering the theft, the employer reported the matter to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Maroko Division, CSP Ganiyu Raji.

The DPO instructed his crack team, led by Inspector Peter Momodu, to apprehend the suspects.

The police successfully arrested Jones, though the gardener remains at large.

Jones was subsequently charged at the Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, sitting at Tinubu Magistrates’ Court, on three counts of conspiracy and theft.

Prosecution counsel, Inspector Hafsat Ajibode, informed the court that the offences occurred on 5 October 2024, at 5 Weston Close, off Admiralty Road, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

Ajibode explained that Jones betrayed the trust placed in him by his employer and conspired with the fugitive gardener to steal the air conditioner.

The alleged offences contravened Sections 411, 380, and 287(7) of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.

Jones pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Chief Magistrate Gbajumo Ayoku granted him bail and adjourned the case.

He was ordered to remain at the Ikoyi Correctional Facility until he met his bail conditions.