Lydia Eje, 45, Arraigned Over Alleged N5.3m Theft At Seawave Fishing Industries

MICHAEL AKINOLA 

A 45-year-old woman, Lydia Eje, has been arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate Court over allegations of stealing N5,393,470 belonging to Seawave Fishing Industries Limited, Oshodi.

According to Charge No. /2026 filed by the Commissioner of Police, the defendant allegedly committed the offence sometime in April 2026 at Seawave Fishing Industries Limited, Oshodi, within the Lagos Magisterial District. The charge sheet stated that Lydia Eje ‘f’ did steal the sum of Five Million, Three Hundred and Ninety Three Thousand, Four Hundred and Seventy Naira, N5,393,470.00, property of Seawave Fishing Industries Ltd.

The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015. Section 287 of the Criminal Law deals with stealing and provides that any person who steals anything capable of being stolen is guilty of an offence. The punishment varies depending on the value of the property and whether the theft involves trust, employment, or public office. In cases involving several millions of Naira belonging to corporate organizations, courts often weigh the impact on the business and the need to deter similar acts.

The matter was handled by the Special Enquiry Bureau, SEB, which is a specialized unit of the Lagos State Police Command that investigates complex financial crimes, fraud, forgery, and breach of trust. Inspector Eze Christian was listed as the Police Investigation Officer on the charge sheet.

When the charge was read to her before the court, Lydia Eje pleaded not guilty to the allegation. A not guilty plea means the defendant denies committing the offence and the prosecution must prove its case beyond reasonable doubt during trial.

The prosecutor, SP Josephine Ihkayere, then asked the Court to give a date for hearing to enable the Police to present evidence and witnesses that will prove the defendant actually committed the alleged offence.

The Presiding Magistrate, Mr L.A. Owolabi, after listening to the submissions, granted the defendant bail with two sureties. The Magistrate added that the sureties must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment, which is a common requirement in financial-related cases to ensure credibility and responsibility.

The case was adjourned for mention while the defendant was remanded in custody at the Correctional Center at Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending when she will perfect her bail conditions. Remand is standard practice when an accused person is unable to meet bail terms immediately. Kirikiri Correctional Center is one of the main custodial facilities in Lagos where awaiting trial persons are kept.

Legal experts noted that Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015 carries significant penalties for stealing, and conviction can attract imprisonment depending on the circumstances and value involved. However, the law also guarantees every accused person the right to fair hearing, legal representation, and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Seawave Fishing Industries Limited, located in Oshodi, is one of the companies operating in Lagos’ fishing and seafood processing sector. Cases involving employees or individuals accused of defrauding companies have become a focus for law enforcement as businesses seek stronger internal controls and police cooperation to recover losses.

The defendant remains presumed innocent until the court determines otherwise based on evidence presented by the prosecution.