KINGSLEY EBERE
A 24-year old man, Riliwan Mohammed Sani, has been arrested and charged in Lagos State for allegedly stealing sweet potatoes worth N5.3m belonging to Yasir Ashiru inside the Mile 12 market.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the incident happened on 24th July, 2025, at the market located at Ketu area of Lagos.
According to the Police, the suspect collected the items under the false pretence on credit, sold the items, escaped and did not remit the money as they had agreed. He disconnected every communication he had with the complainant and went into hiding.
The matter was reported to the Commissioner of Police through the Monitoring Unit at the State Command. The Police operatives moved into action, eventually arrested and detained the suspect at the Command for interrogation over his alleged conduct.
After interrogation, the Police found him culpable and charged him before the Ogba Magistrate Court for the alleged offence which attracts several years of imprisonment.
The charges read:
“That you, Riliwan Mohammed Sani ‘m’ on the 24th July, 2025, at Mile 12 Market at Ketu, Lagos State, in the Lagos Magisterial District, did collect goods “Sweet Potato” worth Five Million, Three Hundred and Forty Thousand Naira (N5,340,000.00) under the pretence of obtaining credit to yourself, a representation you know to be false and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 315 of Criminal Laws of Lagos State Nigeria 2015.”
COUNT II:”That you, Riliwan Mohammed Sani ‘m’ on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned Magisterial District, did steal goods (Sweet Potato) worth Five Million, Three Hundred and Forty Thousand Naira (N5,340,000.00) property of one Yasir Ashiru ‘m’ and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 280 (b) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State Nigeria 2015.”
However, he pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Supol Philip Ademigbuji, 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, Mrs. O. Kusanu, 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.