3 arraigned for alleged theft of fuel pumps worth N9.3m

Three men, Chidiebere Eugene, Promise Okechukwu and Ugochukwu Maduabuchi, were on Monday arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing fuel pumps worth N9.3 million.

The defendants – Eugene, 22; Okechukwu, 30; and Maduabuchi, 22 – whose addresses were not provided, are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and receiving stolen property.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them.

The prosecutor, SP Josephine Ikhayere, informed the court that the defendants committed the offences between 2024 and February 2025 at Ladipo Market in the Mushin area of Lagos.

Ikhayere alleged that the first defendant, Eugene, stole 500 pieces of fuel pump valued at N9.3 million, belonging to Mr Charles Eze.

“He sold the fuel pumps below cost price to the other two defendants and converted the proceeds to his personal use.

“Okechukwu and Maduabuchi, received the 500 stolen fuel pumps from Eugene, knowing they were stolen,” she said.

The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 287, 328 and 411 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

The Magistrate, Mr Lateef Owolabi, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N650,000 each with two sureties each in like sum.

He stated that the sureties must be gainfully employed and should present evidence of tax payments to the Lagos State Government.

Owolabi adjourned the case until Aug. 15 for hearing.