CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
Three traders at Ladipo Market in Ojegunle, Mushin were on Tuesday arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate Court over allegations of conspiracy and theft of a Range Rover catalyst valued at N7 million.
The defendants, Jacob Vitoesi, 23, David Gbadebo Adimula, 25, and Oladimeji Ajibose, 48, were all said to be traders operating within the Ladipo auto parts market.
According to the charge sheet, the incident occurred on July 4, 2026 and July 9, 2026 at 29, Ojekunle Street, Off Isolo Road, Mushin, Lagos in the Lagos Magisterial District.
The Commissioner of Police alleged in Count I that the defendants and others now at large conspired among themselves to commit felony to wit stealing. The offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 411 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.
In Count II, the prosecution told the court that the three men stole a Range Rover HSE 2007 Model Catalyst valued at Seven Million Naira Only, N7,000,000.00. The property belongs to one Phillip Adebowale Ogini.
The prosecution said the act contravened Section 280 and is punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.
In Count III, the Police alleged that Oladimeji Ajibose received the catalyst of Phillip Adebowale Ogini’s vehicle knowing fully that it was stolen. The offence is punishable under Section 328 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
When the charges were read to them before Magistrate Miss F.R. Ogunkoyede at Court 218, the defendants entered their plea.
The Prosecuting Officer in the case was listed as ASP Simeon Njue while the Investigating Police Officer is attached to Isolo Police Station.
The court granted them bail in the sum of N2.5 million each with sureties in like sum. The case was adjourned for further hearing.
Members of the Ladipo Market community have expressed concern over the case, saying it could dent the reputation of the market if found to be true. Market leaders have in the past warned traders against involvement in illegal dealings, especially theft of high-value auto parts.
Security experts note that catalytic converters have become prime targets for thieves due to their high resale value. The Police have urged traders and residents to report suspicious activities to authorities instead of taking the law into their own hands.
The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.