18-year-old applicant docked over alleged N45,000 theft

The Police in Lagos on Friday arraigned an 18 -year-old applicant, Michael Martins, for allegedly stealing valuables worth N40,000 and a phone valued at N5, 000.

Martins, who resides at Iju-Ishaga, Lagos, is standing trial before a Magistrate, Mrs B.O. Osunsanmi, on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing, at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

The Police Prosecutor, ASP Ezekiel Ayorinde, told the court that the accused committed the offences on July 17, at Iju, Lagos.

He said that the accused, and others still at large, conspired to steal cash and valuables worth N45, 000 belonging to Mr Olakunle Ogunlana.

“The accused stole a cash of N40, 000 and a phone valued at N5, 000 totalling N45,000.’’

Ayorinde alleged that the accused and others hired had stolen the complainant’s phone and money after they hired his taxi at a fare of N2, 000.

“The accused, who boarded the complainant’s cab, took his money and phone, opened the car doors and ran away without even paying for the ride.

“The complainant raised an alarm and luckily, the accused was caught while others escaped with the stolen items.

“The accused was taken to the station,’’ the prosecutor told the court.

The offences, according to him, violate Sections 287 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

But the accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The magistrate admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

Osunsanmi said that the sureties should be gainfully employed and show evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

He adjourned the case until Aug. 13, for mention.