Auto-dealer apprentice in court over alleged N1.8m theft

An auto-dealer apprentice, Gbenga Adewale, was, on Friday, arraigned before a Surulere Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly converting N1.8 million made from the sale of his employer’s car to personal use.

Adewale, 38, of no fixed address, is standing trial on a count charge of stealing.

The Police Prosecutor, Insp Courage Ekhueorohan, told the court that the defendant committed the offence sometime in November 2019 at No. 4, Hogan Bassey crescent, Surulere, Lagos.

Ekhueorohan said that Adewale had sold one of the cars belong to his employer and complainant, valued at N1.8 million in 2019, only to convert the money to his personal use.

He said that the defendant, upon selling the car, told his employer, one Mr Abiodun Oduwole, that the buyer promised to pay the money in sometimes in 2020.

The prosecutor added that the complainant decided to report the matter to the police when no payment was made in the whole of 2020.

According to him, the offence is punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Reports state that Section 287 carries three years imprisonment upon conviction for stealing.

Adewale, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Adewale Ojo, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500, 000, with two responsible sureties in like sum.

The case was, thereafter, adjourned till Feb. 22, for mention