Truck Loader, 25, Remanded In Kirikiri Over Alleged Theft Of Diesel At Apapa Wharf

The defendant was brought before Magistrate L.A. Owolabi on a one-count charge of stealing, contrary to Section 280 and punishable under Section 287(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

According to the charge sheet marked NSC-H1000/29…./2026, the prosecutor, SP Josephine Ihkayere, told the court that Christopher Haruna committed the offence on the 26th day of June, 2026 at about 8:00am at Otto Wharf, Apapa, Lagos, within the Lagos State Magisterial District.

SP Ihkayere told the court that the defendant allegedly stole five liters of diesel, property of one Ikechukwu Obinna, valued at Nine Thousand, Seven Hundred and Fifty Naira only.

The charge sheet read in part: “That Christopher Haruna ‘m’ on the 26th day of June, 2026 at about 0800hrs at Otto Wharf Apapa Lagos in the Lagos State Magisterial District did steal five liters of Diesel valued Nine thousand, seven hundred and fifty Naira (N9,750.00) property of one Ikechukwu Obinna ‘m’ and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 280 and Punishable under Section 287(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.”

When the charge was read to him, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the offence.

Following his plea, the prosecutor did not object to bail but urged the court to impose conditions that would ensure the defendant attends his trial.

In his ruling, Magistrate L.A. Owolabi granted the defendant bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum. The magistrate held that the sureties must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

The court further ordered that the sureties must reside within the jurisdiction of the court and must be gainfully employed. The addresses of the sureties are to be verified by the court registrar.

Pending the perfection of his bail conditions, Magistrate Owolabi ordered that the defendant be remanded in custody at the Correctional Center at Kirikiri Town, Lagos. The case was adjourned for mention to enable the defendant to fulfill the bail requirements.

The Investigating Police Officer and the complainant’s details are on file with the court. The case file was also marked DPP APPROVED by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Ogba, Lagos.

Incidents of theft at Apapa Wharf, one of Nigeria’s busiest ports, have continued to draw the attention of security agencies. Stakeholders in the maritime sector have repeatedly called for tighter security and surveillance around the area to protect goods and reduce petty crimes that affect port operations and the livelihood of traders.

Legal experts say that under Section 287(1) of the Lagos State Criminal Law, stealing is punishable upon conviction, but the court is empowered to grant bail depending on the nature of the offence and the circumstances of the case.

The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.