4 drivers face trial for stealing N40m diesel

Four drivers, who allegedly stole N40 million worth of diesel, were on Tuesday arraigned before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos State.

The defendants, 32-year-old Ibrahim Umaru, 33-year-old Sunday Ojo, 35-year-old Idowu Falade, and 46-year-old Ibrahim Bala, who are employees of A & A Global Leasing Services Ltd, pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing, and diversion of product.

The prosecutor, ASP Raji Akeem, told the court that the offences were committed between May 25 and June 30 at A & A Global Leasing Services Limited, Engineering Close, Victoria Island, Lagos.

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Akeem said the drivers loaded liters of diesel to be delivered at different fuel stations, but they diverted some on the way.

The prosecutor added that after the defendants siphoned some litres of fuel from their petroleum tankers, they added some unknown substance to the stock in their cargoes.

The offences, Akeem said contravened Sections 160, 287, and 411 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

The Chief Magistrate, B. O Osunsanmi, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N2 million each with two sureties in like sum.

Osunsanmi, therefore, adjourned the case until September 27, 2022, for mention.

The Star