Man, 27, Arraigned Over Alleged N50m TV & Cash Theft At Alaba

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

A 27-year-old man, Ovie Michael, was on Tuesday arraigned before an Ojo Magistrate Court over allegations of conspiracy and stealing of television sets and cash worth about N50 million at Alaba, Lagos.

The defendant appeared before Magistrate Hon. L.K.J. Layeni on a two-count charge brought by the Commissioner of Police.

According to the charge sheet marked 03/1/101/2026, the incident allegedly occurred on June 22, 2026, at about 8:20am.

The prosecution told the court that the offence was committed at Divine Care Plaza, Saint Peter Road, Alaba, Ojo, within the Ojo Magisterial District.

Under Count I, Ovie Michael and another person said to be at large were accused of conspiracy to commit felony, an offense contrary to Section 411 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

In Count II, the defendant was charged with stealing. The prosecution alleged that he and the other suspect stole 50 pieces of television sets of different sizes from a company premises.

The charge further stated that they also allegedly stole the sum of N50,000,000.00. The money was said to be meant for the repair of different television sets handled by the company.

It was alleged that the funds were paid into a personal account instead of the company account belonging to Chitec Screen World, and without the company’s consent.

The prosecution said the money was converted to personal use, an act contrary to Section 287 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to all the charges when they were read to him in court.

The prosecutor, SP Uche Simeon, asked the court for a date to enable the Police to present evidence and witnesses to prove the allegations.

Magistrate Layeni granted the defendant bail with conditions. The court ordered two sureties who must show evidence of means of livelihood and proof of tax payment to Lagos State.

The case was adjourned to July 9, 2026, for mention. The defendant was remanded at the correctional center pending the perfection of bail conditions.

The matter was investigated by the Ilemba Hausa Police Station, Ajangbadi. The Investigating Police Officer listed on the charge is Insp. Obianuju Okaro of Ilemba Hausa Division.

The charge sheet was signed by CSP Jacob Jiya Gana of Ilemba Hausa Division, Ajangbadi.

Legal experts note that every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.