CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
A 28-year-old woman, Oyetayo Caroline, was on Monday arraigned before an Ogba Magistrate Court in Lagos over alleged conspiracy and theft of ₦18,710,000 belonging to C.E.O. Global F.S. Limited.
The defendant was arraigned before Magistrate L.A. Owolabi on a two-count charge of conspiracy to commit felony and stealing, offences punishable under Sections 411 and 287 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
According to the charge sheet marked 2x/0/33/06, the prosecution alleged that Caroline and others at large committed the offence on April 8, 2024, at about 9:30am at No. 13a, Ajayi Road, Oke-Ira, Ogba, Lagos State.
Count I stated that the defendant did conspire together to commit felony to wit stealing. Count II alleged that Caroline and others at large did steal the sum of Eighteen Million, Seven Hundred and Ten Thousand Naira (₦18,710,000.00) only, property of C.E.O. Global F.S. Limited.
The matter was prosecuted by SP Josephine Ihkayere of the Command Tactical Team. The Investigating Police Officer listed on the charge was ASP Andrew Idumu.
When the charges were read to her, the defendant pleaded not guilty.
In her ruling, Magistrate Owolabi granted the defendant bail with two sureties. The Magistrate said the sureties must be gainfully employed, reside within the court’s jurisdiction, and must provide evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government. The court further ordered that the defendant be remanded in custody at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending the perfection of her bail conditions.
Legal experts who spoke to
http://pmexpressng.com said conspiracy and stealing under Lagos law attract significant penalties if proven. Section 287 prescribes up to 7 years imprisonment for stealing, while Section 411 covers conspiracy.
Barr. Tunde Balogun, a criminal lawyer based in Ikeja, said the court granting bail with two sureties shows the offence is bailable. But the remand in Kirikiri pending bail perfection is standard practice when the defendant cannot meet conditions immediately. He added that the involvement of the DPP means the case may be transferred to the High Court depending on the advice.
Confirming the arraignment, SP Abimbola Adebisi, Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, said the Command Tactical Team carried out the investigation and ensured due process was followed. She said members of the public with useful information should come forward and that the Police will continue to ensure that financial crimes are investigated thoroughly and suspects are charged to court.
With the case file now with the DPP, prosecutors will determine whether to continue the matter at the Magistrate Court or file an information at the High Court. For now, Caroline remains in custody at Kirikiri until her bail conditions are met.
The court warned that failure to appear on the next adjourned date will lead to forfeiture of bail and issuance of a bench warrant.
The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.