A disengaged soldier, Tajudeen Umaru, appeared before an Ejigbo Magistrates’ Court on Friday for allegedly stealing a Bajaj motorcycle valued at ₦1.3 million.

Mr Umaru, whose residential address was not provided, is standing trial on three counts of conspiracy, stealing, and impersonation.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, Simon Njue, told the court that the defendant and others still at large committed the offences in March at No. 6 Sunday Iwugbe Crescent, Egan, Igando, Lagos.

Mr Njue alleged that the defendant and his accomplices stole a red motorcycle with registration number AYE 147VM, belonging to Henry Anueansebhor.

He also alleged that the defendant, with military number NO05/NA/26/1356, had been discharged from service since 2025.

Mr Njue said the defendant nevertheless continued to present himself to the public as a serving soldier and extorted money from residents.

According to the prosecutor, the offences contravene Sections 77, 287 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

He added that Section 411 prescribes a two-year jail term for conspiracy, while Sections 287 and 77 prescribe three years’ imprisonment each for stealing and impersonating a military officer, respectively.

The magistrate, F.R. Ogunkoyode, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.

She adjourned the case until August 13 for mention. 

(NAN)