7up Bottling Company Staff Docked For Stealing N150,000 Trailer Battery

A 23- year-old employee of 7up Bottling Company, Obinna Okafor, on Friday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing the company’s trailer battery.

Okafor, whose address was not provided, pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing brought against him.

But the Prosecutor, Sgt. Ishaku Babaji, told the court that the accused with others still at large committed the offences at the premises of 7up Company at Oregun, Ikeja,  on April 1.

Babaji alleged that the accused stole the battery from the company’s trailer and hid it in a truck being driven out of the premises.

“The truck was checked and searched at the exit gate by security officers and they found the stolen battery in the truck.

“The accused was arrested and on interrogation, he confessed to stealing the battery, saying he wants to sell it and use the money to meet personal commitment.”

The offences contravened Sections 285 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015 (Revised).‎

However, the Section 285 prescribes a three-year jail term for stealing, while Section 409 stipulates a two-year imprisonment for conspiracy.

The Magistrate, Mr J.A. Adegun, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Adegun said the sureties must be gainfully employed with an evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

He adjourned the case until May 16 for mention .

(NAN)