The Police in Lagos State have arraigned three men before the Ojo Magisterial District over alleged conspiracy and stealing of solar generators and lighting equipment valued at N32 million at Alaba International Market, Ojo.
The defendants, Collins Nchekwube, 19, Ifesuchukwu Timothy, 22, and Chukwuebuka Ibika, 35, were arraigned before Magistrate L.K.J Layeni on Charge No: 01/106/2026 in a case filed by the Commissioner of Police.
According to the charge sheet filed by the Divisional Police Officer, Ojo Division, Lagos, CSP Opeifa Omolola, the defendants and others now at large allegedly committed the offences between December 2025 and May 2026 at Alaba International Market, Ojo, within the Ojo Magisterial District.
The defendants are facing a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit felony to wit stealing and stealing, offences punishable under Sections 411 and 287 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.
Prosecuting the case is SP Uche Simon, who told the court that in Count One, the three defendants and others at large allegedly conspired among themselves to commit felony to wit stealing, an offence contrary to Section 411 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State.
In Count Two, the prosecution alleged that on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned magisterial district, the defendants and others at large allegedly stole solar generators, flood lights and rechargeable lights valued at N32,000,000.00 (Thirty Two Million Naira), property of Keonia Company, represented by one Akinwale Sarah.
The prosecution said the alleged offence is punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State.
When the charges were read to them, the defendants pleaded not guilty.
Following their plea, their counsel applied for bail on liberal terms. Magistrate L.K.J Layeni granted each defendant bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties.
The court ordered that the sureties must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment, with verifiable residential addresses. The court further ordered verification of the sureties’ addresses and tax papers.
Pending the perfection of their bail conditions, the magistrate ordered that the defendants be remanded in custody at the correctional centre.
The matter was adjourned to November 18, 2026, for further hearing.
The Police said investigation is being handled by the Ojo Division, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspects who are at large in connection with the case.
It should be noted that the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty by the court, and the charges against them are mere allegations which are yet to be proven.