Man, 22, Arraigned For Allegedly Stealing Neighbour’s ‘Spiritual Cat’ Worth N1.3m

MICHAEL AKINOLA 

A 22-year old man, Simeon Ogwiji, has landed in trouble in Lagos State for causing confusion by allegedly stealing  a foreign cat worth N1.3m procured for spiritual works belonging to his neighbour, Giwa Olatunji Alade. 

P.M.EXPRESS reports that the suspect, Ogwiji, has been arrested and charged for the alleged stealing.

The incident happened on 19th July, 2025, at Emman Okenne Street, Ipaja, Lagos, where they reside.

According to the Police,  the complainant, Mr. Alade, bought the foreign cat worth the said amount and kept it inside a cage in the house. However, at night, the suspect allegedly took the cat away.

In the morning, the complainant went where he kept the cat and he did not find it. Later information leaked that it was the suspect that stole it.

The matter was reported to the Police at Ipaja Division. The suspect was arrested and detained at the station for interrogation over the missing cat.

After interrogation, the Police found him culpable and consequently charged him before the Ejigbo Magistrate Court for the alleged stealing under the Criminal law of the State.

The charge read: “That you, SIMEON OGWIJI “M” on the 19th day of July, 2025 at about 1800hrs at Emman Okenne Street, Ipaja, in the Lagos Magisterial District, did steal a Foreign Cat valued One Million, Three Hundred Thousand Naira  (N1,300,000.00) Only, property of one GIWA OLATUNJI ALADE “M” and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 287 of the criminal law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.”

However, he pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Inspector Simeon Njue, then asked the Court to give a date for hearing since he pleaded not guilty to enable the Police to prove that he actually committed the alleged offence.

The Presiding Magistrate, Mr T.A. Popoola, granted him bail with two sureties, who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment while addresses will be verified by the Court.

The matter was adjourned for mention while the defendant was remanded in custody at the correctional center at Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.