KINGSLEY EBERE
Police operatives from the Lagos State Command have arrested two haulage carriers, Abdullahi Yahaya, 48 and Jubril Abubakar, 39, for allegedly diverting on the highway N54m Honeywell Spaghetti, which was entrusted to them to deliver to a company, IOS Global Logistics Limited.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the suspects, Yahaya and Abubakar, believed to be the driver and conductor respectively, were entrusted to carry 4,725 packs of the spaghetti to the owner in Lagos.
However, on getting to Shagamu highway in Ogun State, they reportedly conspired, diverted the goods, sold them at give away prices and escaped without any trace after they disconnected every communication they had with the owner.
The matter was reported to the Police at Area F Command, Ikeja. The operatives moved into action, tracked the suspects, eventually arrested and detained them at the Command for interrogation over their alleged conduct.
During interrogation, they admitted to have sold the items but had no money to refund the owner because they have shared and spent the money.
The Police found them culpable and consequently charged them before the Ogba Magistrate Court for conspiracy and stealing.
They pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, DSP Kehinde Ajayi, asked the Court to give a date for hearing since they pleaded not guilty to enable the Police to prove that they actually committed the alleged offence.
The Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. E. Kubenije, granted them bail in the sum of N3m with two sureties in like sum, who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment while addresses verified by the Court.
The matter was adjourned till 26th June, 2024, for mention while the defendant were remanded in custody at the correctional center at Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending when they will perfect their bail conditions.