2 businessmen face trial over alleged theft of N16m tomato paste

NAN-H-17
Tomato
By Teniola Ibitola
Lagos, Aug. 15, 2017 (NAN) Two businessmen — Obadiah Ogi and Adeyemi Abaekere — who allegedly stole N16 million worth of Vitali tomato paste, on Tuesday appeared before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

The accused — Ogi, 42, and Abaekere, 40 — were arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing and forgery.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The duo, according to Police Prosecutor Chinalu Uwadione, committed the offences on May 31 at Ogba in Ikeja area of Lagos.

He said the accused were given the consignment (N16 million Vitali tomato paste) for delivery to a customer in Kano State, but failed to do so.

“The accused also forged documents, letter heads for introduction, timely delivery guaranteed letter and recommendation letters  which they used to cover up their tracks,” he told the court.

The offences contravened Sections 287, 365(3), (i), 366 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Oluyemisi Adelaja, admitted the duo to a bail of N2 million each with two responsible sureties each in like sum.

She said the sureties should also deposit N100,000 each into the account of the court’s chief registrar.

The case has been adjourned until Sept. 13 for trial. (NAN)

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(Editing by Dele Akinsola)