Unemployed man faces N1.4m theft charge

A 27-year-old unemployed man, Samuel Philip, who allegedly broke into the shops of three men and stole plumbing materials worth N1.4 million, was on Monday docked before an Ejigbo Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.

The defendant, whose residential address was not provided, is standing trial on a two-count charge of stealing and burglary.

The prosecutor, Insp. Benedict Aigbokhan, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on Dec. 25, 2021, at Bucknor Estate, Ejigbo, Lagos.

He said the defendant broke into the shops of three men: Cyriacus Nwaenyi, Ndubuisi Onyekwulo and Samuel Mmoha, dealers in plumbing materials and stole plumbing materials worth N1. 4million.

He said the offences contravened Sections 287 and 307 (a) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The magistrate, Mr E. O. Ogunkanmi, granted him bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

He ordered that the sureties must be gainfully employed and must show evidence of tax payments to the Lagos State government.

Ogunkanmi adjourned the case until Feb. 7 for mention.