A 35-year-old man, Samson Awoniyi, on Wednesday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court over the alleged theft and fraudulent conversion of more than N25 million.
Awoniyi is facing a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing, fraudulent conversion and obtaining money by false pretense.
The prosecutor, SP Josephine Ikhayere, alleged that the offences were committed in July 2025 at Sonnex Packaging Nigeria Ltd., Ojota, Lagos.
Ikhayere told the court that the defendant allegedly conspired with others, who remain at large, to steal and fraudulently transfer company funds.
She alleged that Awoniyi and his accomplices unlawfully transferred N25,087,125 belonging to the firm to unauthorized accounts.
According to the prosecutor, the defendant also dishonestly converted the company’s money to his personal use.
She further alleged that, through deceit and false representations, Awoniyi defrauded the company of the said amount.
“The defendant fraudulently transferred and converted the company’s funds for personal benefit,” the prosecutor told the court.
Ikhayere said the alleged offences contravened Sections 411, 280, 286 and 325 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to all the charges preferred against him.
Magistrate Lateef Owolabi granted Awoniyi bail in the sum of N1.5 million with two sureties in like sum.
Owolabi subsequently adjourned the case until Aug. 25 for hearing. (NAN).
