A 45-year-old man, Denola Banjoko, who allegedly diverted his brother’s death benefits to his personal use has been arraigned at a Surulere Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.

The police preferred a one-count charge of stealing against him on Tuesday. He, however, pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Sergeant Christopher Okoliko, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on January 19, 2019, at Surulere Local Government Area Headquarters.

Mr. Okoliko said that the defendant collected N1.1 million from Surulere Local Government as the death benefit of his late brother, Shina Banjoko, and failed to deliver it to the deceased’s family.

The prosecutor submitted that the defendant converted the money to his personal use.

The prosecutor noted that stealing contravened Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The section provides for three years’ imprisonment for stealing.

Magistrate Jadesola Ajayi granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum, and adjourned the case until December 15 for mention.