By Tomisin Erogbogbo
Lagos – A Tinubu Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State on Monday ordered that four men, who allegedly stole ceramic plates worth N31.2 million, be remanded in prison, pending outcome of police investigation.
The police charged Uchena Ezeogu, 24; Nnemeka Nwokoro, 26; Daniel Odezulu, 38 and Chinyere Ani, 25 with three counts of conspiracy, theft and forgery.
The police also charged Paul Anyaogu, 40 with receiving stolen property.
Chief Magistrate Tajudeen Elias, who gave the order, adjourned the case until April 11, for further hearing.
Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Sgt. Hafsat Ajibode, told the court that the defendants committed the offence sometime in 2018 at Mogaji Plaza, Ebute Ero Market, Lagos Island.
She said that the first four defendants, who are sales representatives, conspired and stole ceramic plates of different sizes and shapes worth N31.2million, belonging to their employer, Mr David Chukwudum.
Ajibode said that the first four defendants also forged invoices to cover up the theft.
The prosecution, also told the court that Anyaogu, is charged with receiving alleged the stolen ceramic plates, knowing full well that they were stolen.
The offence, she said, contravened the provisions of sections 287 (7), 328, 363 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
NAN reports that oif convicted under Section 287 (7), they are liable to seven years imprisonment.