Lagos – A security guard, Samuel John, and three others who allegedly conspired to steal goods worth N830,000 from a shopping plaza on Monday appeared before a Tinubu Magistrates’ Court.
John, 21, is facing a count charge of conspiracy, while his accomplices, Soji Jolaosho,
21, and John Akwaje, 19, are facing three-count bordering on conspiracy and theft, while the fourth defendant, Hillary Okduwa is charged with receipt of stolen goods.
The four defendants all denied the charges against them.
The prosecutor, ASP Richard Odigie, said that the defendants on Dec. 5 and Dec. 10, 2016
at about 3 a.m. at Dominion Plaza, Ahmed Bus Stop, Badore Lagos, conspired to steal.
He said that John, the security guard, had on the said dates, gave Jolaosho and Akwaje, access into the Plaza.
He added that Jolaosho and Akwaje carted away a laptop and N155,000 cash belonging
to Mr Yahaya Abdulakeem from the plaza on Dec. 5.
He said that the two struck again on Dec. 10 and stole a Plasma television, cartons of exotic wine and male inner wears, all valued at N675,000, belonging to Mrs Bimbo Adenike.
He noted that the fourth defendant, Okduwa in January received the Plasma television
and laptop from Akwaje, knowing that they were stolen.
The prosecutor explained that “unknown to Jolaosho and Akwaje that the guard has been changed, they came again on Jan. 20 and attempted to steal and that led to their arrest
“They later confessed that they gave the Plasma and Laptop to Okduwa to help them sell.”
Odigie said that the offences contravened sections 285, (5) (a), 326 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
Section 285 prescribes three years imprisonment, Section 326 stipulates 14 years imprisonment, while Section 409 states two years for anyone found guilty.
The Magistrate, Mrs F.O Ikobayo, granted bail to the four defendants in the sum of
N200,000 each with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case until March 14 for mention.