39-Year-Old Man Arraigned For Allegedly Stealing N40m Mercedes Benz Truck In Isolo

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

A 39-year-old man, Lekan Salami, has been arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate Court for allegedly conspiring with others now at large to steal a Mercedes Benz Truck valued at Forty Million Naira in the Isolo area of Lagos State.

The defendant was brought before the court presided over by Mr. L.A. Owolabi, following a two-count charge filed by the Commissioner of Police.

The prosecutor, SP Josephine Ihkayere, told the court that the incident happened on the 14th day of June, 2026, at about 4:00 a.m. at Isolo, in the Lagos Magisterial District.

According to the charge, the defendant allegedly conspired with others now at large to commit felony, to wit: stealing.

In the second count, the prosecution alleged that Salami and his alleged accomplices stole one Mercedes Benz Truck 814 with registration number KRD 306 XX, valued at N40,000,000.00, property of one Ibrahim Adesina of Omnigrafix Technologies Limited.

The offences were said to be punishable under Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 for conspiracy, and contrary to Section 280 and punishable under Section 287 of the same law for stealing.

When the charges were read to the defendant, his plea was taken by the court.

SP Ihkayere applied for a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant pending trial, stressing the seriousness of the alleged offence and noting that other suspects were still at large.

In his ruling, Magistrate Owolabi granted the defendant bail with two sureties.

The court ordered that the two sureties must show credible evidence of means of livelihood and provide proof of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

The magistrate further directed that the defendant be remanded at the Correctional Center, Kirikiri Town, pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.

The court adjourned the matter for further hearing to allow the prosecution to present its witnesses.

The case is being investigated by the Command Special Squad II, which is making efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects linked to the alleged theft.

Police authorities have continued to warn criminal syndicates involved in vehicle theft to desist, assuring residents of intensified patrols and intelligence-led operations across Lagos.

Legal practitioners note that the offences of conspiracy and stealing attract stiff penalties under Lagos law upon conviction.

However, the defendant remains presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law.

The prosecution is expected to call the complainant, Ibrahim Adesina, and other witnesses to establish its case.

Trial will continue on the next adjourned date after the perfection of bail.