CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
A 52-year-old man, Akinola Taiwo, has been arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate Court on Monday sitting in Ejigbo over allegations of conspiracy, store breaking, and theft.
According to the charge sheet, Akinola Taiwo and others at large were alleged to have conspired to commit store breaking and stealing sometime in October 2024. The offence is said to be punishable under Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Police prosecutor, Simeon Njue, told the court that the alleged incident occurred on Ifelodun Street, Shasha Road, Lagos, within the Lagos Magisterial District. The charge sheet stated the offence involved a store belonging to one Mrs. Tairu Anuoluwapo.
In the second count, the defendant was alleged to have broken into the said store during daytime with intent to commit felony. The prosecution said this offence contravened Section 309 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The third count accused Akinola Taiwo and others at large of allegedly stealing various items from the store. According to the charge sheet, the items include a fireman generator valued at N570,000, a Hisense freezer valued at N589,000, and a trading table valued at N250,000.
Other items listed in the charge sheet include iron net valued at N150,000, and goods left in the store valued at N2,000,000. The total value of the alleged stolen property was put at N3,559,000.
The prosecution said the alleged theft contravened Section 387 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. The charge sheet was signed by Police authorities from Area M Command, Idimu, Lagos.
When the charges were read to him in court, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all three counts.
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 provide evidence.
The Presiding Magistrate, Miss F.R. Ogunkoyede, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N1,000,000 with two sureties in like sum. The Court ordered that the sureties must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment while addresses will be verified by the Court.
The Court records showed the Investigating Police Officer is CPL Omosule Odunayo, attached to Area M Command, Idimu while the prosecutor, Simon Njue is handling the case on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command. The charge sheet was endorsed by ACP Abaniwonda Tokunbo.
The Magistrate adjourned the case to 26th June, 2026, for further hearing. All allegations remain accusations until proven in court, as the defendant maintains his innocence.