NAN-H-11
Wine
By Tomisin Erogbogbo
Lagos, March 16, 2017 (NAN) A barman, Emmanuel Nwabeze, and two security guards — Rufus Udo and Sunday Shugabu, who allegedly stole seven bottles of exotic wine and a Plasma television, were on Thursday arraigned in Lagos.
Nwabeze, 27; Udo, 30, and Shugabu, 30, appeared before a Tinubu Magistrates’ Court, Lagos Island, on a two-count charge of conspiracy and theft.
The trio pleaded innocence to the charge.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Philip Osijiale, told the court that the accused committed the offences on March 11, at about 7:00pm, at K-nation Restaurant and Bar, Ologbolo, Eti-Osa, Lagos.
He said that the accused stole seven bottles of exotic wine such as Hennessy, Moet and Red Label, as well as a Plasma television valued at N350,000.
Osijiale said the items belonged to their employer, Mr Kayode Adeyemi.
“The barman had been stealing drinks and other items from the bar and passed the items to the security guards for easy passage outside the premises.
“On the said date, the cook at the restaurant saw Nwabeze put bottles of wine in a bag and head for the security post.
“He called the attention of others; they followed him and saw him handing over the bag to the security guards.
“They were searched and the bottles of wine were recovered; later, the Plasma television was found where they hid it,” he said.
The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 285 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (as amended).
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Section 285 prescribes three years jail term for an offender, while Section 409 stipulates two years imprisonment.
The Magistrate, Mr Omolaja Kazeem, granted the three accused N100,000 bail each, with one surety each in like sum.
Kazeem said that the surety must be a family member of the accused and should be gainfully employed.
He adjourned the case till March 22 for mention. (NAN)
TME/IKU/SOA
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Edited by Tayo Ikujuni/Oluwole Sogunle