By Adenike Ayodele
Ikeja – Two drivers, Amadi Nkechi, 54, and Yusuf Ibrahim, 25, who alleged used contraband to damage Chivita products worth N8.53 million, on Thursday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.
The accused, whose residential addresses were not provided, are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, breach of peace and malicious damage.
They, however, pleaded innocence of the offences.
The Prosecutor Ins. Aondohemba Koti, said that the accused willfully damaged the Chivita products, with contraband (rice).
Koti told the court that the accused committed the offences on Oct. 14 at No. 4/7 Akinyemi Crescent, Matori, Mushin in Lagos.
Koti said that the drivers were instructed to deliver the Chivita products in Benin and Onitsha.
“The company’s manager received a phone call from customs at Shagamu interchange, Abeokuta, that their trucks were intercepted conveying contraband (rice), which led to damage to the Chivita products,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the offences contravene Sections 168, 411 and 350 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, (Revised).
Section 350 provides for three years’ imprisonment for willful damage while Section 411 provides for two years’ jail term for conspiracy.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs M. O. Tanimola, granted to the accused bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties each.
Tanimola said that the sureties must be gainfully employed and have evidence of three years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
She adjourned the case until Nov. 11 for trial.