How Man, 35, Preferred Prison To Refunding Company’s N10m

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

A 35-year old man, Osaji Chukwuma, has chosen to spend the next three years in prison custody rather than refund the sum of N10m he allegedly stole from the company where he was engaged as sales representative in Lagos.

P.M.EXPRESS gathered that Chukwuma was said to have preferred to keep the money and go to prison thereafter he will come out and use the money to establish his own business.

He was found guilty before the Isolo Magistrates Court for stealing the sum of N10, 882,560.70 belonging to Taylek Drugs Company Limited located at Plot 8, Block M, Abimbola Street, Isolo, Lagos.

He was engaged to sell products and remit the money to the company’s account but he chose to convert the money to his own use. He absconded with the money and the matter was reported to the Police at Ilasamaja Division. Police operatives then trailed and arrested him for interrogation.

During interrogation, he did not deny having the said money in his care but refused to return it and he was then charged before the Court for the alleged offence.

He pleaded guilty.

The prosecutor, Mr. Innocent Odugbo, then presented the facts of the matter and asked the Court to sentence him accordingly to serve as deterrent to any person who might try such in future.

The Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. O. Kushanu, found him guilty as charged and sentenced him to three years imprisonment with the option of refunding the money and regaining his freedom.

However, Chukwuma chose prison custody rather than refund the money.