CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
A 24-year-old man, Joseph Nwakolo, who was employed as a security guard, has been arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate Court sitting in Ogba over allegations of conspiracy and theft of a musical amplifier valued at ₦1,500,000 in Ogba, Lagos.
According to the charge sheet available to P.M.EXPRESS, the alleged incident occurred on May 18, 2026, at about 9:30am at a musical office located at No. 2 Coker Street, Off College Road, Ogba, in the Ikeja Magisterial District.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, was listed as the complainant in the matter. The defendant was charged alongside others said to be at large.
In Count One, the prosecution alleged that the defendant, who was the security guard in charge of the premises, conspired with others to commit felony to wit stealing. The offence was said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.
In Count Two, the charge sheet further alleged that on the same date, time and place, the defendant and others now at large allegedly stole one Seer Amplifier valued at ₦1,500,000, property of one Osundande Ayodeji.
The prosecution stated that the alleged act contravened Section 280(7) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015. Section 280 provides for punishment for the offence of stealing.
Court documents showed that the case is being investigated by officers from Area “G” Command, Ogba. The Investigating Police Officer listed on the charge sheet was Inspector Omegwu Sunday.
During arraignment, the defendant pleaded ‘Not Guilty’ to the charges. The prosecutor, SP Josephine Ihkayere, asked the court for a date to enable the Police to prove the allegations.
The presiding Magistrate, Mr. L.A. Owolabi, granted the defendant bail with two sureties who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment. He was remanded in custody at the Correctional Center at Kirikiri, Lagos, pending the perfection of his bail conditions.
Security consultants in Lagos said cases of insider theft involving guards have become a recurring concern for small businesses. They advised employers to install CCTV cameras and conduct background checks on security personnel.
The owner of the amplifier, Mr. Osundande Ayodeji, is expected to be called as a witness during the trial. The equipment is said to be used for musical events and studio recordings.
Legal experts say the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction. The court adjourned the matter for mention and is expected to continue with the case at a later date.