CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
A 34-year-old man, Uzokwe Franklyn Izu, was arraigned before the Ojo Magistrate Court over alleged theft of goods valued at ₦6,175,000 belonging to his employer, Belik Intercontinental Ltd.
The defendant was brought before the court on Charge No. 03/1/84/26 by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State. He is facing two counts bordering on stealing and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.
According to the charge sheet presented in court, the alleged incidents occurred on October 21, 2025 and February 25, 2026 at the APT and BBA sections of the Trade Fair Complex, Lagos, within the Lagos Magisterial District.
The prosecution told the court that Mr. Uzokwe was employed as a Manager at Belik Intercontinental Ltd at the time of the alleged offences. The company was represented by Mr. Theophilus Ikechukwu Belonwu.
Count one of the charge stated that the defendant allegedly stole 50 cartons of De-Beberose Kids Spray valued at ₦65,000 each, amounting to ₦3,250,000. He was also alleged to have stolen 13 cartons of Lyke Deodorant Body Spray valued at ₦225,000 each, amounting to ₦2,925,000.
The total value of the items listed on the charge sheet was Six Million, One Hundred and Seventy-Five Thousand Naira (₦6,175,000.00). The alleged offence was said to be contrary to Section 280 and punishable under Section 287(7) of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.
In Count two, the prosecution alleged that on the same dates and locations, the defendant conducted himself in a manner likely to cause breach of peace. This was by allegedly entering the company’s warehouse to take the items without the consent of the company.
The offence in count two was stated to be contrary to Section 168(d) and punishable under Sub-section (2) of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.
The charge sheet was signed by CSP Elebute Olabisi, DPO of Trade Fair Division. The Investigating Police Officer listed on the document was Inspector Taribo Kingsley.
The defendant pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, SP Uche Simeon, asked the Court for a date for hearing to enable the Police to prove the allegations.
The presiding Magistrate, Mr. L.K.J. Layeni, granted him 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 Correctional Center pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.
Legal experts say the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by the Court of competent jurisdiction.