CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
43-year-old Adesokan Babatunde has been arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate Court in Ojo for alleged conspiracy and theft of transformers, cables and oil worth over N20 million.
According to the charge sheet, the case was filed by the Commissioner of Police against Adesokan Babatunde and others said to be at large. The matter is being handled by Onireke Police Station.
In Count I, the defendant was accused of conspiracy to commit felony. The charge stated that the alleged incident occurred in May 2015 and on July 6, 2026 along Badagry Express Road in the Ojo Magisterial District of Lagos State.
The prosecution stated that the alleged conspiracy was contrary to and punishable under the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. The specific section was not clearly stated on the copy of the charge sheet obtained.
Count II relates to the same date, time and place in the aforementioned Magisterial District. The charge alleged that Adesokan Babatunde and others still at large stole several transformer-related items.
The items listed included a 1000KVA transformer lamination valued at N1,100,000.00, a 2 lamination valued at N1,166,666.00, and a 3100 lamination valued at N1,200,000.00.
The charge further listed a 350KVA transformer lamination valued at N666,666.00, cable gland valued at N2,100,000.00, and 195 pieces of other items valued at N96,066,066.00.
The document also alleged the theft of 29 drums of transformer oil valued at N15,660,000.00. The total value of the items listed in this count runs into several millions of Naira.
The prosecution stated that the alleged act was contrary to Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. The property was said to belong to one Daniel.
The Investigating Police Officer listed on the charge sheet was Inspr. Adebayo Adebowale. The prosecutor in court was SP Uche Simeon.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges before the presiding Magistrate, Mr L.K.J Layeni. The Court granted him bail with two sureties who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment while addresses are to be verified by the Court.
The matter was adjourned for mention while the defendant was remanded in custody at the Correctional Center pending when he will perfect his bail conditions. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.