CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
A 37-year-old man, Wasiu Idris, has been arraigned before an Ojo Magistrate Court for alleged conspiracy and theft of goods worth N50 million in the Ojo area of Lagos State.
The defendant appeared before Magistrate His Hon. L. K. J. Layeni on a two-count charge filed by the Commissioner of Police. The charge is marked Charge No. 07/1/80, 2026.
According to the charge sheet, the alleged offences occurred between July 2025 and May 4, 2026 at No. 2, Ezeh Duru Street, Red Cross, Mosafejo, Ojo, within the Ojo Magisterial District.
In Count 1, the prosecution alleged that Wasiu Idris ‘M’ and others now at large conspired among themselves to commit felony to wit stealing. The offence is punishable under Section 411 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015.
In Count 2, he was alleged to have stolen New Age Power Banks, Earbuds, Chargers, Charging Cables and Smart Watches valued at N50,000,000.00. The items were said to be the property of New Age Mobile Concept Limited, represented by one Richard Osikhene ‘M’.
The offence was said to be contrary to Section 280 and punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015.
The charge sheet was signed by CSP Opeifa Omolola, Divisional Police Officer, Ojo Division. IPO Inspector Iloba Anthony of Ojo Division was listed as the Investigating Police Officer. His contact number was also indicated on the document.
In court, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge.
The prosecutor, SP Uche Simeon, asked the Court for a date to enable the Police to prove the allegations against the defendant.
After listening to submissions, the court granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N3,000,000 with two sureties in like sum.
The Magistrate ordered that the sureties must show evidence of tax payment, verifiable address and means of livelihood within Lagos State. The bail conditions are to be verified by the court registrar.
Legal observers noted that Sections 280, 287 and 411 of the Lagos State Criminal Law 2015 deal with stealing and conspiracy. Conviction under the sections attracts significant penalties including imprisonment.
The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction. Authorities said investigations into the case are ongoing.
The matter was adjourned for mention to allow the prosecution to assemble witnesses. A new date is expected to be announced by the court.