Crimes

Fuel attendants arraigned for N17m theft

No fewer than four fuel attendants were, on Friday, May 19, arraigned before a Magistrate’ Court sitting in Yaba over alleged conspiracy and theft of N17 million at a filling station in Ikeja, Lagos State.

The defendants – Stephen Enemi, 29; Juliana Onumajuru, 41; Chioma Opara, 20; and Odebunmi Olakekan, 23 – whose addresses were not given, pleaded not guilty to a three-count charge of conspiracy, theft, and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.

The prosecutor, ASP Rita Momah, told the court that the defendants and others still at large committed the offences at MRS Oil and Gas, Ikeja, Lagos, in September 2022.

Momah said the defendants conspired and stole N17 million belonging to their employer, Nkechi Okeke.

She said the records from the filling station showed that the defendants misappropriated the money.

The offences, according to her, contravene Sections 168 (d), 287 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State (revised), 2015.

Ruling, the Chief Magistrate, Adeola Olatubosun, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N10 million each, with three responsible sureties each in like sum.

Olatubosun directed that the sureties must show evidence of three years tax payment to the Lagos State Government and have their addresses verified by the court.

The Magistrate, thereafter, adjourned the matter till July 19 for mention.

The Star