A 23-year-old rider, Emeka Ilochi, who allegedly stole a tricycle worth N1.4 million from his friend, on Tuesday appeared before an Ogudu Magistrates’ Court, Lagos State.
The defendant, whose address was not provided, is standing trial on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred by the police.
The prosecutor, Insp Sunday Bassey, told the court that the defendant and another person at large committed the offences on Dec. 21, 2022, on Sunny Jegede Street, Ogudu.
According to him, the tricycle belonged to the defendant’s friend, Mr Ndubisi Okoli.
Bassey said that Okoli reported the alleged theft on Dec. 20, 2022.
He told the court that the defendant stole Okoli’s tricycle after he (defendant) slept at his residence.
He said that the alleged offences contravened Sections 287 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The News reports that Section 287 provides for three years’ imprisonment for stealing while Section 411 provides for two years’ jail term for conspiracy.
The Magistrate, Mrs M.O. Tanimola, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.
The magistrate adjourned the case until Feb. 13 for mention.