A couple, Akeem Ibrahim and Hope Ola, on Monday appeared in an Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly swallowing a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card to prevent justice.
The accused, resident in Ajegunle, appeared on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.
They however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Prosecutor, Sgt. Kehinde Olatunde told the court that the accused committed the offences on July 15, at about 1.00 p.m., opposite Mainland Hotel, Oyingbo.
He said that the couple had boarded a tricycle belonging to the complainant, David Joseph, adding that in the process conspired to steal the tricycle valued at N130, 000.
“The couple, who had the intention to abscond with the tricycle, seized the opportunity to drive away with it when Joseph excused himself to purchase operation tickets,” he said.
He also said that when the couple were brought in for interrogation, Ola, the wife, swallowed her SIM card to prevent the police in tracing who they sold the tricycle to and prevented justice from taking its course.
The offences contravened Sections 187,287 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The Magistrate, Mrs Bola Folarin-Williams, admitted the two accused to a bail of N300, 000 each with two gainfully employed sureties in like sum, one of whom must be a blood relation.
The case has been adjourned until Sept. 28 for mention. (NAN)