3 docked for alleged N3.8m property theft

Three men on Monday appeared before a Sabo Yaba Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly stealing electrical appliances worth N3.8 million and receiving stolen property.

The defendants are Joel Aniebet, 26, Oshineye Oluseyi, 47, and Goodness Edet, 25.

The first two defendants are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing from one’s employer, while the third defendant is facing a count of receiving stolen property.

They all, however, pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Insp. Patrick Ebri, said that the defendants committed the offences on Oct. 15, at No. 11, Robert Onadipe St. in Adaranijo, Pedro, Lagos.

He said that the first and second defendants were employed by the complainant, Mr Kehinde Akinwunmi, as security guards in an electronics store.

He said that the defendants stole an Omidea fridge, a Samsung plasma television set and six cartons of toner, all valued at N3.8 million.

According to him, the third defendant, Edet, collected the stolen items from the first two defendants to help them sell, knowing that they were stolen.

The alleged offences contravene Sections 411, 287 (7) and 328 (1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State. 2015.

It was reported that Section 411 stipulates two years’ imprisonment for conspiracy.

Section 287 stipulates seven years’ jail term for stealing from one’s employer while 328 attracts 14 years’ jail term for receiving stolen property.

The court granted the first two defendants bail in the sum of N300,000 each, and gave the third defendant N200,000 bail.

The court directed that all the defendants would produce with two sureties each in like sum.

The Magistrate, Mrs F.O. Sasanya, said the sureties must be gainfully employed and have evidence of three years’ tax payment to Lagos State Government.

The case was adjourned until Dec. 16, for trial.