Lagos – A driver with Guinness Nigeria Plc , Peter Owoicho,35, was on Thursday docked before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing 686 crates of empty Guinness bottles, valued at N687,120.
The accused who resides at Otta Road, Orile-Agege, Lagos, is facing a three -count charge of conspiracy, stealing and forgery.
The prosecutor, Insp. Raji Akeem, told the court that the accused and two others still at large, committed the offences on May 20 at Guinness warehouse, Ashade, Lagos.
He alleged that the accused and others broke into Guinness warehouse and stole the items.
Akeem said that the accused loaded the empty bottles into the company’s truck and bolted with them.
“We found out that the accused dissuaded his colleague who was supposed to be on duty with him not to come to work to enable him carry out the act,’’ he said.
“The colleague became suspicious and reported the matter to the company’s management.
“Immediately they left the warehouse and arrested,’’ he said.
Akeem alleged that the accused also forged a waybill and sign-out papers to enable him take the truck and empty bottles out of the warehouse.
He said the offences contravened Sections 285, 363 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 285 prescribes three-year jail term for stealing, while Section 409 stipulates two years imprisonment for conspiracy.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.
The Magistrate, Mr T.O. Shomade, granted the accused bail in the sum of N687, 120 with two sureties in like sum.
Shomade adjourned the case till June 13 for trial. (NAN)