NAN-H-5
Stealing
By Deborah Akpede
Lagos, June 22, 2017 (NAN) A 42-year-old man, Innocent Emeka, who was allegedly caught on a Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) stealing goods worth N5 million, was on Thursday in Lagos granted bail in the sum of N2.5 million.
The accused, a resident of Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos, is standing trial on a one-count charge of stealing.
He, however, entered a `not-guilty’ plea.
An Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, which gave the ruling, also ordered the accused to produce two sureties as part of the bail conditions.
The Magistrate, Mrs O.J Awope, said the sureties must be gainfully employed and must show evidence of two years tax payment to Lagos State Government.
According to the Police Prosecutor, Insp Ezekiel Ayorinde, the accused committed the offence in April at Bolade, Oshodi, Lagos.
He said that the accused stole cosmetic products valued at N5 million, property of Mr Chidozie Akabulogu.
“The complainant, who installed a CCTV camera in his shop after he discovered that his goods were always missing, caught the accused.
“He played back the camera and saw the accused, who always coming to his shop on daily basis under the pretext of buying goods, putting the products inside his bag.
“The accused came again that fateful day and stole some goods and the complainant called the police; he was consequently arrested.
“He took them to a room where he always stored the stolen items and some of the goods were recovered,” he said.
The offence contravened Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).
Section 287 stipulates three years imprisonment for stealing.
The case was adjourned till July 19 for mention. (NAN)
DOA/OIF/OJO
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(Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Mufutau Ojo)