Court Arraigns 32-Year-Old Man Over Alleged $11,815 Theft From Jaz Aviation Firm In Ikeja

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE 

A 32-year-old man, Moses Samuel Ekpe, has been arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court over alleged conspiracy and stealing of $11,815, valued at N16,541,000, belonging to Jaz Aviation Limited.

Ekpe was arraigned before Magistrate Mr. L.A. Owolabi on a two-count charge marked Charge No. M/8792/28/R, 2026, between the Commissioner of Police and the defendant. The prosecution was led by SP Josephine Ihkayere.

According to the charge sheet prepared by CSP Oke Akinwunmi of the Ikeja Division, the defendant allegedly committed the offences alongside one other suspect who is currently at large.

In Count One, the prosecution alleged that Moses Samuel Ekpe and his accomplice, on the 1st of August, 2026, at about 1:23am, at No. 5A, Isaac John Street, GRA, Ikeja, in the Ikeja Magisterial District, conspired among themselves to commit felony to wit stealing.

The offence is said to be contrary to Section 411 and punishable under Section 412 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.

Count Two alleges that the defendant and the other suspect at large, on the same date, time and place, stole the sum of $11,815 (Eleven Thousand, Eight Hundred and Fifteen Dollars), valued at N16,541,000.00 (Sixteen Million, Five Hundred and Forty One Thousand Naira only), property of Jaz Aviation Limited.

The offence is said to be contrary to Section 280 and punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to both counts when the charges were read to him in court.

Following his plea, the prosecutor, SP Ihkayere, requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant pending trial.

In his ruling, Magistrate Mr. L.A. Owolabi granted the defendant bail with two sureties who must show evidence of means of livelihood and evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

The court ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Correctional Centre, Kirikiri Town, pending the perfection of his bail conditions.

The matter was adjourned for mention to enable the defence to perfect the bail and for trial to commence.

Legal experts note that conspiracy under Section 411 is a separate offence from the substantive act of stealing, and the prosecution is required to prove both agreement and participation. Sections 280 and 287 prescribe penalties for stealing, with severity depending on the nature and value of the property involved.

Theft cases involving foreign currency often have significant impact on businesses, especially aviation companies that depend on dollar-denominated transactions for fleet maintenance, spare parts and international operations.

Police authorities say efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the second suspect who is currently at large. Investigators add that further exhibits may be tendered in court as trial progresses.

The management of Jaz Aviation Limited has yet to issue an official statement on the case.

The defendant remains presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law.