CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
A 28-year old man, Ekene Boniface, has been arraigned before the Ojo Magisterial District in Lagos over alleged conspiracy and stealing of inverter cables valued at N5.2 million.
The defendant was arraigned before Magistrate Mrs L.K.J. Layeni on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing.
The charge was filed by the Commissioner of Police.
According to the charge sheet marked 03196/2026, the prosecutor, SP Uche Simon, told the court that the defendant and others now at large allegedly committed the offences between March 2026 and 30th June, 2026 at C&N Warehouse, Ilofe, Ojo area of Lagos State, within the Ojo Magisterial District.
The prosecutor told the court that the complainant, C&N Global Energy Company, represented by one Nnabuife Chinonye, had reported a case of missing inverter cables from its warehouse. The matter was reported at Ojo Division, Lagos, which led to Police investigation.
It was gathered that during Police investigation, the defendant was arrested in connection with the alleged missing cables, while others now at large were said to have taken to flight. The Police said the value of the cables was ascertained after taking stock at the warehouse.
The first count alleged that the defendant and others now at large conspired among themselves to commit felony to wit stealing, an offence punishable under Section 411 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.
The second count alleged that Ekene Boniface and others now at large stole inverter cables valued at N5,200,000.00 (Five Million, Two Hundred Thousand Naira), property of C&N Global Energy Company, represented by one Nnabuife Chinonye.
The offence is said to be punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.
The defendant however, pleaded not guilty to all the charges when the charges were read to him in court.
Following his not guilty plea, the prosecutor, SP Uche Simon, asked the court for a date for trial and urged the court to remand the defendant pending trial, adding that the prosecution would prove its case with witnesses.
Counsel to the defendant applied for bail on behalf of his client in most liberal terms, assuring the court that the defendant would not jump bail and would be available for trial and would not interfere with investigation.
In her ruling, Magistrate Mrs. L.K.J. Layeni granted the defendant bail with two sureties who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment.
She ordered that the defendant be remanded in custody at the Correctional Center pending the perfection of his bail conditions.
The case was adjourned for mention.
The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.