Petrol attendant, student arraigned over alleged theft of N347,500

A petrol attendant, Olusola Oyegun, 27, and a student, Iyanu Samuel, 21, on Friday, appeared before an Okitipupa Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State over alleged stealing of N347,500.

The defendants, whose addresses were not given, are facing a four-count charge bordering on felony, stealing, breach of peace and conspiracy.

The Police Prosecutor, ASP Zedekiah Orogbemi, had earlier informed the court that Oyegun had, on July 3, 2023, around 10:00 am, at a petrol station in Igodan Lisa in Okitipupa magisterial district, conspired to commit felony.

Orogbemi said that the first defendant sold 500 litres of petrol, valued at N347,500, belonging to one Samson Oyekun.

He said that the first defendant also caused breach of peace by escaping with the money to an unknown destination until he was later apprehended.

Orogbemi further stated that the second defendant conspired and shared from the proceeds of the illegal sales of the petrol, knowing full well that it was stolen money.

According to him, the offences were contrary to and punishable under Sections 249(d), 390(9), 355 and 519 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them by the police.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Cletus Ojuola, granted the first and second defendants bail in the sums of N300,000 and N100,000 and one surety each in like sums respectively.

Ojuola said that the sureties must be residing within the court’s jurisdiction and must show and present evidence of two years tax payment made to the state government.

He adjourned the case till Jan. 26 for further hearing.