Apprentice, 4 others docked over alleged theft of N2.3m electronics

NAN-H-28

Apprentice

By Tomisin Erogbogbo

Lagos,  May 18, 2017 (NAN) A 23-year-old apprentice, Chigozie Obiefulu,  and four others on Thursday appeared before a Tinubu Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, over alleged theft of electronics worth 2.3millon, and for receiving stolen goods.

Obiefulu and his accomplices, Chidi Umeh, 23; Ikechukwu Umeh, 34; Chibuzor Okoh, 35; and Ikechukwu Eze, 35 are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, theft and receipt of stolen goods.

The prosecutor, Insp. Ben Ekundayo, told the court that in January, Obiefulu, an apprentice to an electronics dealer, Mr Philip Onyebuchi, stole N 2.3million worth of electronics.

Ekundayo said the accused stole the goods from his master’s shop at Oroyinyin Street, Lagos Island, and gave the stolen items to his four accomplices to sell.

He said that the other four accused collected the goods, knowing that they were stolen.

Ekundayo said the offences contravened Sections 287, 326 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that an offence under Section 287 attracts three-year imprisonment; Section 326 stipulates 14 years, while Section 411 prescribes  two-year imprisonment.

The Magistrate, Mr Ade Adefulire, granted the first accused N500,000 bail with two sureties in like sum, who must have a minimum of N 250,000 in their bank accounts.

He, however, granted the second, third, fourth and fifth accused N 250,000 bail with one surety each, in like sum, with a minimum of N100,000 in the sureties’ bank accounts.

Adefulire adjourned the case until May 30 for mention. (NAN)

TME/FLP/SOA

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Edited by Folorunso Poroye/Oluwole Sogunle