By Vivian Ibobo
Ikeja, – A 25-year-old trader, Gbenga Adeotan, who allegedly broke into a shop at night and stole goods worth N114,000, was on Friday brought before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.
Adeotan, whose address was not provided, is facing a three-count charge of shop-breaking, conspiracy and stealing.
The prosecutor, Insp. Victor Eruada, told the court that Adeotan committed the offences with others at large on July 27, at 8.30p.m, at No. 170, Ekerin Block, Agege Main Market, Agege, Lagos.
Eruada said that the accused broke into the shop of the complainant, Mr Rafiu Odebiyi, at night to steal the goods.
“Adeotan stole two plasma television sets and a DSTV decoder valued at N114,000.
The prosecutor said that the accused succeeded in stealing the items and was about escaping when he was caught by the vigilance team in the market.
Adeotan, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The offences contravened Sections 287, 411 and 309 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 287 stipulates a seven-year jail term for offenders, while section 309 provides three years for shop-breaking.
The Magistrate, Mrs M. I. Dan-Oni, admitted him to a bail of N100,000, with one surety in like sum.
Dan-Oni said that the surety should be gainfully employed, with evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
She said that the address of the surety should be verified by the court and he must reside within the court’s jurisdiction.
The magistrate adjourned the case until Sept. 6, for hearing.