A 33-year old man, Emma Ayodele, has been arrested and charged in Lagos State for allegedly parading himself as staff of Power Holding Company of Nigeria and using the guise to steal from people before he was caught.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the suspect was apprehended at Islamic Street, Abaranje in Ikotun area, after he allegedly stole a ladder belonging to Alhaja Folajomi Jimoh under the false pretence of using to work on the electric pole in the area.
However, instead of using it to connect wires on the electric pole as he had claimed to be a staff of PHCN, he sold the ladder and escaped.
The matter was reported to the Police at Ikotun Division. The operatives trailed, eventually arrested and detained him at the station for interrogation over his alleged conduct.
During interrogation, he reportedly admitted to have sold the ladder and had spent the money and so had no money to refund or buy another ladder for the owner.
The Police found him culpable and consequently charged him before the Ejigbo Magistrate Court for conduct likely to cause breach of public peace, impersonation and stealing.
However, he pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned.
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, Mrs. A.K. Dosumu, granted him bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum, who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment.
The matter was adjourned till 13th December, 2023, 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.