Truck driver in court over alleged theft of diesel worth N291,000

NAN-H-23
Diesel
By Oluwatope Lawanson
Lagos, Aug. 2, 2017 (NAN) A 33-year-old truck driver, Musa Hamza, who allegedly stole diesel worth N291,000 from his employer, was on Wednesday charged before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.
Hamza, who resides at No. 24, Seriki St., Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State, is facing a charge of stealing.
Police Prosecutor Donjor Perezi told the court that the accused committed the offence on May 24, 2016 at No. 85, Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos.
Perezi said the accused stole the diesel from the complainant, one Fidelis Igbinedion.
He alleged that the accused diverted and stole the diesel he was asked to deliver to a customer in Enugu.
“The accused sold the product and converted the money to his personal use.
“When the customer complained that he did not receive the diesel, the complainant immediately reported the matter to the police, and the accused arrested,’’ he said.
Perezi said the offence contravened Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015(Revised).
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Section prescribes a three-year jail term for convicted offenders.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs O.A. Layinka, granted him bail in the sum of N200, 000 with one surety in like sum.
She said the surety should show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
Layinka adjourned the case to Aug. 7, for mention. (NAN)
LAW/EOB/PIO
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(Edited by Edith Bolokor/Idonije Obakhedo)