Aso Rock Hotel Workers In Police Net For Swindling Owner N3.5m

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

When the management of the popular hotel known as Aso Rock Suites in Lagos employed three workers, Gideon Bassey, 21, Chidi Okonkwo, 21 and Alabi Olumide, 26, they never knew they had engaged suspected criminals in the hospitality outfit.

P.M.EXPRESS reports that the trio reportedly ganged up and swindled the owner to the tune of N3.5m before they were eventually caught and arrested by the Police at Ikotun Division.

The incident happened at Abaranje Road, Ikotun area of Lagos State, where the hotel is located.

According to Police source the workers allegedly conspired and stole assorted drinks kept in the hotel for sale to customers such as Hennessy VSOP, Jameson, energy drinks and others worth the amount, sold and shared the money among themselves. 

They were even alleged to have abandoned the sales of the drinks kept in hotel and usually go outside to buy drinks at cheaper rates, sell to their customers and share the profit accurring from the sales and at the end of the month they also receive salaries from the hotel. 

However, their conduct was exposed after the management monitored their sales activities and discovered what they had been doing over the time and then handed over them over to the Police at Ikotun Division for prosecution.

After interrogation at the Police Station and having been found culpable, they were subsequently charged before the Ejigbo Magistrates Court for conspiracy and stealing.

They pleaded not guilty. 

The prosecutor, Inspector Simeon Njue, asked the Court to give a date for hearing since they pleaded not guilty to enable the Police to prove they actually committed the alleged offence.

The Presiding Magistrate, A.S.Okubule, granted them bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum. The trio were remanded in Correctional Centre at Kirikiri town pending when they will perfect their bail conditions.

The matter was adjourned till 28th October, 2021, for mention.