NAN-H-7
Petrol-theft
By Vivian Ibobo
Lagos, Feb. 15, 2018 (NAN) A 35-year-old panel beater, Lawal Babalola, who allegedly scooped five litres of petrol from a school bus and truck batteries worth N180,800, was on Thursday charged before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.
He was, however, released on a N50,000 bail with two sureties in like sum.
Babalola is being tried for stealing to which he pleaded not guilty.
The panel beater, who resides at No. 14, Agbelekale, St., Abule-Egba, a Lagos suburb, was alleged to have stolen five litres of petrol and four truck batteries valued at N180,800.
According to Police Prosecutor Victor Eruada, the accused committed the offence on Oct. 15, 2017 at Majekodunmi Street, Agege, Lagos.
He said the accused scooped five litres of petrol from a school bus parked in the area, arming himself with a 5-litre gallon, hose and a spanner.
“He opened the fuel tank with the spanner and siphoned five litres of petrol valued at N800 from the bus belonging to Chrisolyte School.
“Babalola also stole four truck batteries valued at N180,000 from where they were parked kept beside the school bus; the batteries belong to the complainant, Mr Olaotan Adejare.”
Eruada told the court that the accused was later apprehended by a security guard.
The offence contravened Sections 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011 which stipulates a three-year jail term.
The Magistrate, Mrs G. O. Anifowoshe, adjourned the case until Feb. 26 for trial. (NAN)
IZU/AIB/DA
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(Edited by Abdulfatah Babatunde/Dele Akinsola)