Lagos Bizwoman Loses N31.9M To Manager, 5 Salesmen

PAUL IYOGHOJIE

The suspects

A distributor with GlaxoSmithkline, GSK Industries, Mrs. Monisola Adeniji has dragged her manager, Akande Samuel, 35, and five salesmen before a Lagos magistrate court for allegedly stealing her N31,981,441 which they realised from sales.

Police identified five others as Adesokan Mutiu, 32, Taiwo Aina, 53, Akinkugbe Akeem, 23, Oyinloye Wasiu, 36 and Kolapo Azeez.

The suspects were ordered to be arrested by the DCP in charge of Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad, FSARS, Adeniji Adele Road, Lagos Island, Mr. Ibrahim Kaoje following petition by Mrs. Adeniji.

After investigation by Supol Garuba Oseni and his team, all the suspects were arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, Lagos on a three count charge of felony to wit: stealing.

Police prosecutor, Supol C. N. Odii informed the court in charge No. B/3/2017 that the accused persons committed the alleged offence between 28 August and December, 2016 where they worked as salesmen with their employer at a supermarket at Ejalonibu Plaza, Lagos Island.

Odii told the court that the complainant, Adeniji reported to the police that she entrusted her supermarket stocked with GSK assorted soft drinks products valued at N31,981,441 in the care of her manager and five salesmen to sell and remit the proceeds into her account and travelled abroad.

He said the complainant stated that she was shocked when she returned and discovered that her manager and salesmen had sold all the goods inside the supermarket and converted the proceed to their personal use.

Odii said the offences the accused persons committed are punishable under sections 409 and 285(7) of the criminal laws of Lagos State, 2011.

All the accused, however, denied the police allegations in the open court when the charges were read to them.

Chief magistrate A. F. O. Botokun admitted five of them to bail in the sum of N5m each with one surety each in like sum.

Botokun admitted the sixth accused, Kolapo Azeez, to bail in the sum of N250,000 with one surety in like sum  and adjourned the case till 7 April, 2017 for trial.