CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
Two women, Olawoya Joy, 30, and Florence Kondo, 34, were on Friday arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate Court over allegations of conspiracy and stealing of the sum of N12,000,000 at a shop in Town Square Mall, CMD Road, Lagos.
The defendants were brought before Magistrate Mrs. O. Kusanu on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing, contrary to Sections 411, 280 and punishable under Section 287(7) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.
The prosecutor, SP Phillip Ademigbuji, told the court that the defendants allegedly committed the offence between March 2026 and the date of arraignment at Sport Etcetera Shop located in Town Square Mall, CMD Road, within the Ikeja Magisterial District.
According to the charge sheet with reference No. MIK/29/86, Count 1 stated that Olawoya Joy and Florence Kondo “did conspire among themselves to commit felony to wit stealing”.
Count 2 alleged that on the same date, time and place, the duo “did steal the sum of Twelve Million Naira, property of one Mrs. Bukola Olabiran” and thereby committed an offence contrary to the criminal laws of Lagos State.
The charge sheet, signed by CSP Sajo Busayo, Divisional Police Officer of Isheri Police Station, listed the Investigating Police Officer as Inspr. Iriemi Rachael.
When the charges were read to them, the defendants pleaded not guilty. The prosecutor asked the Court to give a date for hearing to enable the Police to prove the allegations.
In her ruling, Magistrate Kusanu ordered that the defendants be remanded in custody at the Correctional Centre at Kirikiri Town pending further proceedings.
The court also granted bail to the defendants in the sum to be determined, with two sureties each. The magistrate stated that the sureties must show evidence of means of livelihood and evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
The magistrate adjourned the case for mention to allow the prosecution to complete investigations and present facts before the court.
Legal experts say Section 411 of the Criminal Law deals with conspiracy to commit a felony, while Sections 280 and 287(7) cover stealing and the punishment where the value of the property exceeds N1,000,000.
The complainant in the matter was the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command.
Efforts to reach the legal representatives of the defendants for comments were unsuccessful as at press time.
The Police have urged members of the public, especially business owners in malls and markets, to strengthen internal controls and report any suspicious activities to the nearest Police station to prevent financial crimes.
The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a Court of competent jurisdiction.