A 20-year-old man, Ibrahim Shehu, has been arraigned before an Ojo Magistrate Court in Lagos over alleged conspiracy and stealing of copper cables valued at ₦50 million. The incident reportedly took place at Alaba International Market, one of West Africa’s largest electronics and electrical materials hubs.
According to the charge sheet marked 2026/08/1/29/26, Shehu was arraigned alongside others said to be at large. The case was filed by the Commissioner of Police and handled by the Zone 2 Command, Onikan, Lagos.
The Prosecutor told the court that the alleged offence occurred in July 2025 at Alaba International Market within the Lagos Magisterial District. Shehu and the other suspects were accused of conspiring to commit felony, contrary to the laws of Lagos State.
In the first count, the defendant was charged with conspiracy to commit felony to wit: stealing. The prosecution said the act is punishable under Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.
The second count bordered on stealing. Shehu was alleged to have stolen copper cables valued at ₦50,000,000.00, property of C-Divine Answer International Company Limited.
The prosecution stated that the alleged theft also contravened Section 287(5)(e)(f) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015. That section covers stealing of specific properties and carries stiff penalties upon conviction.
The Investigating Police Officer listed on the charge sheet was Inspector David Futughe. The IPO is attached to Zone 2, Onikan, Lagos and handled the case file from arrest to arraignment.
However, the defendant pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, SP Uche Simeon, asked the Court to give a date for hearing to enable the Police to prove the allegations.
The presiding Magistrate, Mr. L.K.J. Layeni, granted him bail in the sum of N1m 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 at Badagry, Lagos, pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.
Alaba International Market is known as a major hub for electrical materials, cables, and electronics in Nigeria. Traders in the market have repeatedly raised concerns over theft of copper cables and vandalism of goods worth millions of Naira.
Security experts say cable theft has become a major challenge for businesses and infrastructure across Lagos. Beyond the financial loss, such thefts often disrupt power supply and business operations in affected areas.
The court is expected to continue with the case on the next adjourned date as Police said investigations are ongoing. Meanwhile, efforts are also ongoing to apprehend other suspects said to be at large in connection with the alleged ₦50m cable theft.
Legal experts say the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by the Court of competent jurisdiction.