Female Cashier Allegedly Absconds With N7.1m During Audit In Lagos

The woman, who worked as a cashier at the company’s office located at No 13, Dipo Abe Street, Ojodu Berger, Lagos, was arraigned on a three count charge bordering on conduct likely to cause breach of peace, stealing and obtaining by false pretence.

According to the charge sheet marked 1015/4/25/26, the alleged offences were committed between December 1, 2025 and April 20, 2026 within the Lagos Magisterial District.

Count 1 alleged that on April 20, 2026, the defendant conducted herself in a manner likely to cause breach of peace by absconding during the company’s account auditing. The offence was said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 168 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.

Count 2 alleged that between December 1, 2025 and April 13, 2026, the defendant stole the sum of N7,135,650 property of Senna Atlantic Ltd. The company was represented by Mr. Gbenga Balogun and Ms. Ayeni Funke. The alleged stealing is contrary to and punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Count 3 further alleged that on the same dates, the defendant obtained the sum of N7,135,650 from the company’s customers under the pretence of paying the money into the company’s account, but allegedly diverted it to her personal use. The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The Commissioner of Police was listed as the complainant in the matter. The case was prosecuted by SP Philip Ademigbuji. The Divisional Police Officer, CSP Opadola O. Elizabeth of Isheri Olofin Division, signed off on the charge.

When the charges were read to her, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all the counts.

The prosecutor asked the court for a date for hearing to enable the Police to present witnesses and evidence to prove the allegations.

The presiding Magistrate, Mrs O. Kusanu, granted the defendant bail with two sureties. The sureties are to provide evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment.

However, the defendant was remanded in custody at the Correctional Center at Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending when she will perfect her bail conditions.

Legal sources explained that Section 168 deals with conduct likely to cause breach of peace, Section 287 relates to stealing, while Section 314 covers obtaining property by false pretence. If convicted, the offences attract various terms of imprisonment as prescribed by the law.

Human rights lawyers note that under Nigerian law, every person charged with an offence is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Senna Atlantic Ltd operates in Ojodu Berger, an area known for its cluster of trading and logistics businesses. Cases of internal fraud and diversion of company funds have become a growing concern for business owners in the area, especially during audits.

The arraignment is part of ongoing efforts by the Lagos State Police Command to address financial crimes and protect businesses from internal theft.

The court is expected to give further directives on the matter at the next adjourned date.