Three men were on Thursday arraigned in an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing, and receiving cartons of drinks worth N10 million belonging to a dealer.
Sodiq Olayinka, 32, and Larry Olatuberu, 30, are standing trial for conspiracy and stealing, while Francis Ezema, 27, is standing trial for receiving and obtaining stolen property.
The trio, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them.
The Prosecutor, Insp John Iberedem, told the court that the defendants and some others at large sometime in 2023, conspired to steal cartons of drinks from a dealer`s shop at Balogun Market, Mashalashi Alhaja in Agege area of Lagos.
“They stole cartons of seaman drinks, action bitters, Chelsea drinks, origin bitters and black wood drinks totaling N10million, belonging to Mrs Nneka Moses, the complainant.
“They also conspired with Ezema and some others at large sometime in 2023 at Ipodo Market, Ikeja who dishonestly received the cartons of drinks valued N10m.
“Ezema knew fully well that the said items were stolen and thereby committed an offence punishable under the law,” Iberedem said.
He said that the offences contravened Sections 287, 328 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Section 328 stipulates 14 years imprisonment for anyone found guilty of receiving any stolen property.
The Magistrate, Mrs E. Kubeinje admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N400, 000 each, with two sureties in like sum.
She said the sureties must be gainfully employed with a proof of tax payments to the state government.
Kubeinje adjourned the case until Aug. 20, for mention. (NAN)(
