Sales manager arraigned over alleged theft of N972,000

Theft
By Deborah Akpede

Ikeja, May 15, 2019(NAN) A 30-year-old sales manager, George Eluma, on Wednesday appeared in  an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court Lagos, for allegedly stealing N972,000 belonging to Sentone Trading Nigeria Ltd.

Eluma, who resides at Alakuko, Lagos, is standing trial before Magistrate O.O. Ekundayo on a two-count-charge of stealing and forgery, to which he pleaded not guilty.

The Prosecutor, Insp. Josephine Ikhayere, alleged that the defendant committed the offence  between March  and December 2018 at Alakuko, Lagos.

Ikhayere said that Eluma delivered some goods to customers but failed to remit the proceeds into the company’s account.

“The defendant collected some goods to supply customers but converted the money to his personal  use.

“He also forged the company’s invoice, which he issued to customers,” the prosecutor said.

He said that when reconciliation was conducted in January, it was discovered that N972,000 worth of goods sold could not be accounted for.

“When questioned, the defendant confessed to have converted the money to his own use but promised to pay back.

“The defendant was handed over to the police,” the prosecutor said.

The offence contravened Sections 287 and 365 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 287 carries three years imprisonment for stealing while section 365 also attracts three years for forgery.

The Magistrate, Mrs O. O Ekundayo, granted the defendant bail of N500, 000, with two sureties as part of the conditions.

Ekundayo said that the sureties should be gainfully employed and show evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

She adjourned the case until May 30, for mention. (NAN)
DOA/HS/SOA

Edited by Halima Sheji/Oluwole Sogunle