CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
Two men have been arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate Court over alleged conspiracy and stealing of iron pipes valued at N21,705,200 in Abule Egba area of Lagos State.
The defendants, Samuel Udoh, 24, and Yinusa Mohammed, 40, were arraigned on a two count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing by the Commissioner of Police listed as the complainant in the matter.
According to the charge sheet, the alleged offence was committed on February 2, 2026 at about 9:00pm at Arowolo Street, Abule Egba, within the Lagos Magisterial District.
Count I of the charge stated that the defendants, alongside two others said to be at large, conspired among themselves to commit felony to wit conspiracy and stealing. The offence was said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 411 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.
Count II alleged that on the same date, time and place, the defendants and the two others at large stole iron pipes of different sizes and prices. The total value of the alleged stolen items was put at N21,705,200.00. The pipes were said to be the property of one Ekwebalam Chukwuebuka.
The alleged stealing offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.
However, the defendants pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, ASP Benedict Aigbokhan, asked the Court to give a date for hearing to enable the Police to prove the allegations.
The presiding Magistrate, Mrs. A.K. Dosumu Uthman, granted the defendants bail with sureties who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment.
The matter was adjourned for mention while the defendants were remanded in custody at the Correctional Center at Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending when they will perfect their bail conditions.
Legal sources explained that Section 411 of the Lagos Criminal Law deals with conspiracy, while Section 287 relates to stealing. If found guilty, conviction under the sections may attract custodial sentences as prescribed by law.
The charge sheet stated that two other suspects are still at large in connection with the alleged incident. Police are said to be continuing efforts to apprehend them.
Abule Egba is a busy commercial and residential area in Lagos with several building material and hardware outlets. Cases of theft of construction materials have been a concern for traders in the area in recent months.
Human rights lawyers note that under Nigerian law, every person charged with an offence is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
The arraignment is part of ongoing efforts by the Lagos State Police Command to address cases of theft and property related crimes across the state. The court is expected to give further directives on the matter at the next sitting.