A 19-year-old man, Waheed Habeeb, was arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate Court sitting in Ojo over allegations relating to the alleged theft of copper cables and wires valued at Fifty Million Naira at Alaba International Market in Ojo.
According to the charge sheet presented in court, the incident was said to have occurred in July of the previous year within the Lagos Magisterial District. The Commissioner of Police was listed as the complainant in the matter. The document indicated that the case was transferred to the court for arraignment after initial investigations by Police operatives.
The prosecution told the court that Habeeb and other persons said to be at large allegedly conspired to commit a felony. The first count in the charge stated that the alleged conspiracy was for the purpose of stealing, an offence said to be punishable under the Criminal Law of Lagos State. The prosecution argued that the alleged planning took place within the market premises before the items were removed.
A second count accused the defendant and others still at large of allegedly stealing copper cables and wires. The items were said to be the property of C-Divine Answer International Company Limited. The value of the alleged stolen items was put at Fifty Million Naira in the court document. Counsel for the prosecution noted that the cables were industrial grade materials used for power distribution and were recovered as part of ongoing investigations.
The alleged offence was referenced under provisions of the Criminal Law of Lagos State that deal with stealing and conspiracy. The charge sheet indicated that the case was handled by officers from the Police Station at Zone Two, Onikan, Lagos. Police said efforts are still ongoing to apprehend other suspects mentioned in connection with the incident.
The prosecutor, SP Uche Simeon, asked the Court to give a date for hearing to enable the Police to prove the allegations and to present witnesses before the court. He told the magistrate that investigations were still at an advanced stage.
The presiding Magistrate, Mr. L.K.J. Layeni, listened to the submissions and granted the defendant bail in the sum of One Million Naira with two sureties in like sum. The magistrate ordered that the sureties must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
The defendant was remanded in custody at the Correctional Center at Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending when he will perfect his bail conditions. Court officials said he will remain in custody until the bail requirements are met.
Officials stated that investigations into the case are ongoing, including efforts to identify other persons mentioned as being at large in connection with the incident. The Police said they are working with market associations to strengthen surveillance around shops dealing in electrical materials.
Alaba International Market is one of the largest trading hubs in Lagos and has seen increased calls for improved security around electrical materials and other high-value goods. Traders in the market have in recent times decried cases of theft of cables and other hardware, calling on authorities to increase patrols.
The court did not take a final decision on the matter during the arraignment. Legal observers note that in criminal cases, the prosecution is expected to present evidence to support the allegations before the court can make a determination.
Under Nigerian law, every person charged with an offence is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction. The defendant is expected to enter a plea when the matter comes up for hearing.
The case has been adjourned and is expected to come up again for mention as investigations and legal processes continue. The court directed that all parties should be ready for trial on the next adjourned date.