An Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court on Monday granted a N1million bail to one Oyebode Mathew, 34, who allegedly stole 24 inverter batteries worth N2.2 million.
Mathew, who resides at No. 8, Ola-Ofe Lane, Capitol Road in Agege, Lagos State, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The chief magistrate, Mr O.A. Layinka, who released the accused on bail also ordered that the accused must produce two sureties in like sum.
Layinka said the sureties must be gainfully employed and show evidence of payment of tax to the Lagos State Government.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Donjor Perezi, told the court that the accused committed the offences on May 7 at Allen Avenue, Ikeja.
Perezi said that the accused conspired with three others still at large to steal 24 pieces of inverter batteries, property of ATC Nigeria Wireless Infrastructure Ltd.
“The case was reported by one Taiwo Ogundimu on behalf of the company.
“It was reported that two security men namely: Mohammed Ahmed and Semiu Odunola alleged that the accused stole the heavy duty batteries,’’ the prosecutor said.
Perezi alleged that the accused was seen at about 2.00 p.m. when he drove a white bus into the estate under the pretext that he wanted to carry-out some repairs.
Perezi said that the accused allegedly carted away the goods using the bus but was later apprehended by the police.
The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 287 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 287 stipulates a three-year jail term for stealing, while Section 411 provides two years for conspiracy.
The magistrate adjourned the case until Aug. 22 for mention. (NAN)