Sales Manager, six others arraigned over alleged ₦15 million theft

Tinubu Magistrate’s Court

Published By: Kazeem Ugbodaga

By Paul Iyoghojie

The police in Ikoyi have apprehended a sales manager and six accomplices for allegedly orchestrating the theft of properties worth ₦15 million from their employer.

The stolen items reportedly included eco fittings, eco pipes, mixer taps, and pressure-reducing valves, all pilfered from a shop at the POWA shopping complex in Falomo, Lagos.

The suspects, led by 18-year-old sales manager Somto Eboh, allegedly masterminded the theft by enlisting five others—Nura Abu (20), Joseph Igwe (19), Onyeka Ndiolo (22), Wisdom Ndukwue (22), David Ezeugo (21), and Ikenna Nduife—to execute the illicit operation.

Their scheme was unraveled during an audit conducted by their employer, Osita Onyekwere, who discovered the shocking disappearance of goods valued at ₦15 million.

Onyekwere swiftly reported the matter to CSP Kehinde Adedara, Divisional Police Officer of Ikoyi Division, who launched an investigation and apprehended the suspects.

The suspects were charged at the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, sitting at Tinubu Magistrate’s Court, on three counts: conspiracy and theft, as outlined under sections 411, 287(7), and 368(1) of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.

Police prosecutor Inspector Hafsat Ajibode told the court that the suspects connived to steal the employer’s property before being caught.

However, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Chief Magistrate Gbajumo Ayoku granted each defendant bail at ₦1 million with two sureties in like sum.

Until they meet the bail conditions, the court ordered that the suspects be remanded at the Ikoyi correctional facility.

The case has been adjourned to 17 December 2024 for mention.