CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
A 37-year-old man, Emmanuel Oni, was arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate Court sitting in Ejigbo for allegedly stealing N8,000,000 belonging to De-Impress Mart, a retail outlet on LASU Road, Isheri Olofin.
The defendant appeared before Magistrate Mrs. A.K. Dosumu-Uthman on a one-count charge of stealing filed by the Commissioner of Police. The charge was marked MMLE/761/2026 and was prosecuted by SP Benedict Aigbokhan.
According to the charge sheet, the alleged incident occurred sometime in April 2026 at about 8:00am at De-Impress Mart Center, kilometer 1, LASU Road, Isheri Olofin, within the Lagos Magisterial District.
The prosecution alleged that Emmanuel Oni stole the sum of Eight Million Naira (N8,000,000.00), being proceeds from the sales of the company’s goods, and converted the money to his own use, property of De-Impress Mart.
The offence was said to be contrary to Section 280 and punishable under Section 287 (9) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015. Section 280 deals with stealing, while Section 287 (9) prescribes punishment for stealing in relation to employment or position of trust.
When the charge was read to him, the defendant pleaded not guilty.
After hearing submissions from the prosecution, Magistrate Dosumu-Uthman granted the defendant bail in the sum of N2,000,000 with two sureties in like sum. The court directed that the sureties must be gainfully employed, reside within the court’s jurisdiction, and provide verifiable addresses.
The Magistrate further ordered that the defendant be remanded in custody at the Kirikiri Correctional Center pending the perfection of his bail conditions.
The Investigating Police Officer listed on the charge was Insp. Comfort Essang of Idimu Police Station, DCB Section. The case file originated from Idimu Police Station with CR No. 761/2026.
The matter was adjourned for mention and possible commencement of trial.
Under the Lagos State Criminal Law, stealing involves dishonest appropriation of property belonging to another with intent to permanently deprive the owner. Where the alleged theft relates to an employer’s funds or sales proceeds, the law provides for specific prosecution and penalties.
De-Impress Mart is located along LASU Road, a major commercial route in Isheri Olofin that serves Alimosho and Ojo communities in Lagos.
At the arraignment, no exhibit was tendered. The prosecution is expected to present evidence and witnesses when the case resumes.
As at press time, the defendant had not met his bail conditions and remained in custody.
Every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.