CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
Police in Lagos have arraigned two men before a Magistrate Court sitting in Ogba over charges of alleged conspiracy, wilful damage, and theft of construction materials from the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road.
The charge sheet marked No. 6 was filed by the Commissioner of Police against Paul Kefas, 25, and Banabas Amos, 19, before the Court in Lagos Magisterial District.
Count 1 stated that Paul Kefas and Banabas Amos and others still at large allegedly conspired to commit felony on 21st April, 2026, at about 1700hrs along Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, Lekki area of Lagos. Police said the alleged offence is punishable under Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Count 2 alleged that the two defendants and others now at large allegedly wilfully and intentionally damaged iron rods and H-Tech clips used for construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road in Lekki. The prosecution said the allegedly damaged materials were valued at Eight Million Naira (₦8,000,000), property of H-Tech Construction Company.
Count 3 alleged that Paul Kefas and Banabas Amos allegedly stole six pieces of long iron rods valued Four Million Naira (₦4,000,000) and eight H-Tech clips valued Four Million Naira (₦4,000,000). The total value of allegedly stolen items was put at Eight Million Naira, property of H-Tech Construction Company.
The prosecution said the alleged wilful damage is contrary to Section 350 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. The alleged stealing offence was said to be contrary to Section 280 and punishable under Section 287 of the same law.
The charge sheet was signed by SP Banti Adamu, Officer-in-Charge of Command Tactical Squad 1, State Headquarters, Ikeja. The Investigating Police Officer was listed as Inspector Yasere Adeyemo.
Court records showed that the defendants were arraigned on 12th May, 2026. However, they pleaded not guilty to all charges. The prosecutor, SP Josephine Ihkayere, asked the court to give a date for hearing for Police to provide evidence against the defendants.
The Presiding Magistrate, Mr. L.A. Owolabi, granted them bail in the sum of ₦500,000 with sureties in like sum, according to the court record. The Magistrate directed that the case file be duplicated and sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice.
The complainant was listed as Mr. Oluwatosin Ebiotan, representing H-Tech Construction Company. The formation handling the case was Command Tactical Squad 1, Ikeja.
Lagos State Police Command has warned against vandalism of public infrastructure. The Command said alleged theft and damage of construction materials along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
The matter was adjourned to 30th June, 2026, for further hearing. Legal experts say the defendants are presumed innocent until the court finds them guilty if the prosecution proves the allegations before the court.
Section 287 of Lagos Criminal Law, 2015 prescribes up to 7 years imprisonment for stealing, while Section 350 prescribes 3 years for wilful damage.