Man, 49, Arraigned Over Alleged Stealing Of N15m Mini Buses

The police from Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department (Force CIID) Alagbon-Ikoyi, Lagos, Tuesday, arraigned a 49-year-old man, Benanian Nwuguru, before an Igbosere Chief Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, on alleged stealing of six mini buses, 16 fairly used vehicle engines valued N15 million.

Arraigning the defendant before a court presided over by Magistrate A. Aro-Lambo, lawyer to the police, Mr. Morufu Animashaun, told the court that the arrest and interrogation of the defendant was made possible following a compliant written to the Force CIID, by the complainant, Mr. Ifeanyi Ihedoro, who lodged a compliant to the police of his missing imported goods.

Animashaun had told the court that the defendant and others now at large, apart from stealing the said goods, also fraudulently converted same to their personal use, by using the buses as public transportation, operating between Onueke to Abakaliki (Ebonyi State).

The offences according to the prosecutor, Barrister Animashaun, are contrary to and punishable under Sections 409, 278 (1) and 278 (2)(b) of the criminal law of the criminal law of Lagos, 2017.

The defendant who did not have any lawyer to represent him, however pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following his not guilty plea, the magistrate, admitted him to bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties in like sum.

One of the sureties must be a landed property with the court, while the second surety must be gainfully employed with reputable organization. The bail conditions according to the magistrate, are to be verified by the prosecutor.

The magistrate while adjourning the matter till February 27, 2019, for mention, ordered that the defendant be remanded in prison custody pending fulfilment of the bail terms