By Ngozi Njoku
Ikeja – A 19-year-old aluminum fabricator, Samuel Babalola, who allegedly snatched a female handbag containing cell phones worth N56, 000 and N48, 000 cash, on Thursday appeared before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court.
The defendant, who resides at Abule-Egba area of Lagos, is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and willful damage.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Chief Magistrate G. O. Anifowoshe, however, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100,000 and ordered the defendant to provide two sureties as part of the bail conditions.
She said the sureties should be gainfully employed with an evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
Earlier, the Prosecutor, Sgt. Felicia Okwori, told the court that the defendant and others still at large, committed the offences on Jan. 22, at about 1:50pm at Ayomide Filling Station, Baale Animashaun road, Alakuko, Lagos.
She said the defendant and some others attacked the Complainant, Fatimoh Bolanle, and stole her handbag containing two cell phones valued at N56,000 and the sum of N48,000 while she was trying to board a vehicle.
“They came suddenly from the rear and one of them snatched her bag containing the phones and cash, all valued at N104,000,” she said.
Okwori said the defendant was later apprehended by the police.
The offences contravened Sections 287, 350 and 411 of the Criminal code Laws of Lagos State, 2015(Revised).
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 287 stipulates a three-year jail term for stealing, while Section 411 provides two years for conspiracy.
The case was adjourned until Feb. 19, for trial.
(NAN)
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