Court Remands Awoniyi Samson Over Alleged N25.08m Fraud at Lagos Packaging Firm

An Ikeja Magistrate Court has ordered the remand of a 35-year-old man, Awoniyi Samson, at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre over allegations of conspiracy, stealing and fraudulent transfer of N25,087,125.00 belonging to Sonnex Packaging Nigeria Limited.

The accused was arraigned before Magistrate L.A. Owolabi on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing and fraud. The prosecution is being led by SP Josephine Ihkayere.

According to the charge sheet filed by the Police, the alleged offences were committed sometime in the month of July 2025 at Sonnex Packaging Nigeria Limited, located at Oluorunfunmi Street, Ojota, Lagos State, within the Ikeja Magisterial District.

In Count I, the Police alleged that Awoniyi Samson ‘M’ and others now at large conspired among themselves to commit a felony, to wit stealing. The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.

Count II stated that on the same date and place, the defendant fraudulently transferred the sum of N25,087,125.00, Twenty Five Million, Eighty Seven Thousand, One Hundred and Twenty-Five Naira only, belonging to Sonnex Packaging Nigeria Limited. The prosecution said the act is contrary to and punishable under Section 280 and punishable under Section 287(b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.

In Count III, the court heard that Awoniyi Samson and others now at large allegedly converted the property of Sonnex Packaging Nigeria Limited, an act which amounts to stealing. The offence is contrary to Section 286 of the Criminal Law.

Count IV alleged that the defendant and others now at large conspired by deceit and defrauded Sonnex Packaging Nigeria Limited of the same sum of N25,087,125.00. The prosecution said this is contrary to Section 325 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

When the charges were read to him in court, the defendant pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, SP Josephine Ihkayere, asked the Court to give a date for hearing to enable the Police to prove the allegations.

The presiding Magistrate, Mr L.A Owolabi, granted the defendant bail with two sureties in like sum who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment.

The matter was adjourned for mention while the defendant was remanded in custody at the Correction Center at Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.

The Investigating Police Officer in the matter was Inspector Etim Patience of Area ‘F’ Command, Ikeja.

Sonnex Packaging Nigeria Limited is located at No.1, Oluorunfunmi Street, Ojota, a commercial hub in Lagos known for manufacturing and packaging companies. The case was filed at the Ikeja Magisterial District and will be reviewed by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions in Ogba before further proceedings.

Legal experts note that matters involving alleged fraud and stealing are routinely remanded to correctional facilities pending legal advice from the DPP, especially when the alleged amount involved is substantial and investigations are ongoing.

The court said all exhibits tendered in connection with the case will be kept in the custody of the Police until further order.

The case underscores ongoing efforts by law enforcement in Lagos to address allegations of financial crimes in the workplace. Both the prosecution and defence are expected to comply with further directives from the DPP’s office in Ogba.

The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by the Court of competent jurisdiction.