Lady, 25, Remanded In Kirikiri For Alleged Phone Theft At Computer Village

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE 

A 25-year-old lady, Nosakhare Isoken, has been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre following her arraignment before an Ikeja Magistrate Court over alleged phone theft at the popular Computer Village in Ikeja, Lagos State.

The suspect was arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing and obtaining under false pretence, contrary to the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

According to the charge sheet filed by the Commissioner of Police with Charge No. MIK/…./2026, the defendant and others still at large allegedly committed the offence on September 7, 2026, at  12, Oshitelu Street, Computer Village, Ikeja and 17, Barbeni Street, Ebute Metta, within the Ikeja Magisterial District.

The prosecutor, SP Phillip Ademigbuji, told the Court that the defendant conspired with others to commit felony to wit, stealing.

Count two of the charge alleged that the woman and others at large on the same date, time and place, stole two mobile phones. The first was described as an iPhone 17 Pro Max valued at N3,700,000 belonging to one Adebola Feranmi of No. 12, Oshitelu Street, Computer Village, Ikeja, and one iPhone 17 Pro Max silver colour valued at N1,180,000 belonging to one Onucha of No. 17, Barbeni Street, Ebute Metta.

Police put the total value of the allegedly stolen phones at N4,880,000, property of the complainants.

The offence, according to the Police prosecutor, is contrary to Section 280 and punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The third count alleged that the defendant obtained the said phones under false pretence, an offence contrary to Section 320(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The first count of conspiracy is said to be contrary to Section 411 and punishable under Section 412 of the same law.

During the arraignment, the defendant pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, SP Phillip Ademigbuji, asked the Court to give a date for hearing to enable the Police to prove the allegations against the defendant.

The presiding Magistrate, Mrs O. Kusanu, granted her bail with two sureties who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment.

However, the court ordered her remand at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending the perfection of bail conditions.

The Magistrate adjourned the case to a later date for mention.

The case was filed by officers of the Ikeja Division of the Lagos State Police Command. Investigation is said to be ongoing to apprehend other suspects alleged to be connected to the incident who are currently at large.

Computer Village in Ikeja remains one of the largest mobile phone and accessories markets in West Africa, attracting thousands of traders and customers daily. Cases of phone theft and fraud have been a recurring concern for traders and security operatives in the area, prompting increased Police presence and market surveillance.

Police authorities in Lagos State have repeatedly warned members of the public to be vigilant while transacting business in crowded markets and to ensure proper documentation of high-value gadgets.

As at the time of filing this report, trial has not commenced and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by the court.

The court is expected to hear the matter again on the adjourned date fixed by the Magistrate.