Man Gets N5m Bail For Stealing $102,000

An Igbosere Chief Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, today, granted bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties in the same sum, to a 37 year-old maid, Peter Thomas, who allegedly stole his boss’ $102, 000.

The maid was arraigned before Magistrate Aro Lambo, by men of Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department (FCIID), Alagbon-Ikoyi, Lagos, on charges bordering on unlawful entry and stealing of the said $102, 000 USD, belonging to his boss, Onyeama Adigwe.

Arraigning the maid in court today, Barrister Morufu Animashaun, informed the court that the maid’s boss, Onyeama Adigwe, petition his department about the missing sum in his apartment. And that upon receiving the petition, Police Commissioner in-Charge of FCIID, Mr. Hamed Mogaji, ordered full investigation in the allegation, and the maid was found culpable.

Animashaun further told the maid, during interrogation, admitted stealing the money and made confessional statement to the act.

He also told the court that upon conclusion of investigation coupled with the maid’s confessional statement to the act, he was brought before the court on charges bordering on unlawful entry and stealing the sum of $102, 000 USD.

He told the court that the offences are contrary to and punishable under 307 (1) and 287(7) of the criminal law of Lagos State. 2015.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the allegations.

Upon the plea of not guilty, his lawyer Adebayo Kareem, pleaded with the court to admit him to bail in the most liberal terms, as he is a first time offender.

The prosecutor, Barrister Animashaun, while not opposing the maid’s bail application, urged the court to admit him to bail in terms that will ensure his presence in court during trial.

Ruling on the bail application, Magistrate’ Lambo, admitted bail to the maid in the sum of N5 million with two sureties, who have paid three years tax to Lagos State government.

The Magistrate also ordered that one of the sureties must be a Grade Level 14 officer in the establishment of Lagos State government, while the second surety must be a blood relation to the maid.

The Magistrate’, while adjourned the matter till August 22, for trial, ordered that the maid be remanded in prison custody pending the fulfilment of the bail terms.