Three Ladipo Market traders, Channebere Eugene, 22, Ohalete Promise Ikechukwu,30 and Emmanuel Maduabuchi, 22, have landed in trouble in Lagos State for allegedly stealing 500 pieces of fuel pump worth over N9.3m belonging to Charles Ifeanyl Eze.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that incident happened sometime in February, 2025, at Ladipo market, Mushin area of Lagos.
According to the Police, the suspects went where the complainant packed the items, stole them, then sold same below the market price and converted the money to their own use.
However, trouble started after the complainant discovered that the items were missing and reported to the Police at the Lagos State Command. The Police operatives moved into action, eventually arrested the suspects and detained them at the Command for interrogation.
After thorough interrogation, the Police found them culpable and consequently charged them before the Ogba Magistrate Court for the alleged offence which attracts several years of imprisonment.
The charges read:
“That you, Channebere Eugene “M”, Ohalete Promise Ikechukwu “M” and Emmanuel Maduabuchi “M” all of Ladipo Market, Mushin, sometime in February, 2025 at Ladipo Market in the Lagos Magisterial District, did conspire among yourselves to commit Felony to Wit stealing and thereby committed an offense contrary to and punishable under Section 411 of the criminal law of Lagos State, 2015.”
COUNT:11:”That you, Channebere Eugene “M” of the same address within the same time aforementioned Magisterial District, did steal Five hundred pieces of Fuel valued N9, 343,800.00 (Nine Million Three Hundred and forty Three Thousand Hundred Natro) property of Charles Ifeanyl Eze “M” and sold same below the price and converted the money to your own use and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 280 and punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.”
COUNT III:”That same you, Chalete Promise Okechukwu “M”, and Ugochukwu manuel Maduabuchi within the same period and place in the same Magisterial District, did criminally receive Five Hundred pieces of stolen vehicle Fuel pump valued N9, 343,800.00 (Nine Million Three Hundred and Forty Three Thousand Eight Hundred Natra) property of Charles Ifearnyl Eze “M” and converted it to your own use and thereby committed an offense contrary to and punishable under Section 328 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.”
However, they pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Supol Josephine Ihkayere, 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, Mr. L.A. Owolabi, granted them bail in the sum of N650,000 with sureties in like sum, who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment while addresses will be verified by the Court.
The matter was adjourned till 10th July, 2025, 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.