Lagos Court Remands Woman, 42, Over Alleged N113m Mercedes Benz Theft

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE 

A 42-year-old woman, Jennifer Nelson Nduaguibe, has been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos over the alleged theft of a 2019 Mercedes Benz GLE valued at N113 million.

Nduaguibe was arraigned before Mrs. O. Kasunu of the Lagos Magisterial District on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing. The charge was filed as Charge No. MU/14/7/42/2026.

The prosecutor, SP Phillip Ademigbuji, told the court that the defendant and one other person who is still at large allegedly committed the offences on March 15, 2024, at Ogba, Lagos.

According to the charge sheet, Count One alleges that Nduaguibe and her accomplice conspired to commit a felony, to wit stealing, an offence punishable under Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Count Two alleges that on the same date, time and place, the defendant stole one Mercedes Benz GLE 2019 model with registration number LND 282 FU, valued at One Hundred and Thirteen Million Naira (N113,000,000.00), property of one Dora Okoro Kayode. The offence is punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to her in court.

Following her plea, the prosecutor asked the court for a date for trial and urged the court to remand the defendant pending the perfection of her bail conditions.

In her ruling, Magistrate Kasunu granted the defendant bail in the sum with two sureties. The court ordered that the two sureties must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

Pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions, the magistrate ordered that Nduaguibe be remanded at the Correctional Center at Kirikiri town.

The case was adjourned for further hearing to allow the prosecution to open its case and for the defence to perfect the bail terms.

The alleged theft adds to a growing list of high-value vehicle theft cases currently before Lagos courts, many involving luxury SUVs allegedly taken through fraud, breach of trust, or outright stealing.

Police authorities say investigations are ongoing to apprehend the second suspect who is currently at large, while the recovered vehicle is expected to be tendered as an exhibit during trial.

Legal experts say the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction. The charges as read in court are allegations, and the prosecution is required to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

If convicted of stealing under Section 287, the defendant risks a lengthy prison term as prescribed by Lagos State law.