17-year old Ikechukwu Okeke, who was employed as POS Operator, has been arrested and charged for stealing his boss’ over N6.5m, which he shared with his girlfriends within two months he got employed in Lagos State.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the incident happened at Ikotun Market, where he was engaged by the complainant, Christian Obinna Ateli.
According to the Police, the suspect, Okeke, was employed on 9th May and by 17th July, 2023, he had already spent the money through transfers to various accounts, which were traced to his girlfriends as gifts. He allegedly used the remaining part of the money to buy expensive phones and other items before the complainant discovered.
The matter was reported to the Police at Ikotun Division. The operator, Okeke, was then arrested and detained at the station for interrogation over his alleged conduct.
During interrogation, he reportedly admitted before the Police to have transferred substantial amount of the money to his girlfriends, while he used the remaining to buy some expensive items such as iPhones, clothes and other items.
The Police found him culpable and subsequently charged him before the Ogba Magistrate Court for stealing, which attracts several years of imprisonment.
However, he pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned.
The prosecutor, DSP Kehinde Ajayi, 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. E. Kubenije, granted him bail with two sureties in like sum, who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment including addresses verified by the Court.
The defendant was remanded in custody at the Correctional Centre pending when he will perfect his bail conditions while the matter was adjourned till 3rd October, 2023, for mention.