A 30-year-old dispatch rider, Moses Afolabi, was on Monday charged before a Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos with stealing N800,000 from his employer.

The defendant, who resides in Surulere area of Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing. He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecutor, Modupe Olaluwoye, told the court that the defendant committed the offences at 6:00 p.m., on October 8, 2021, at Surulere area of Lagos.

She explained that the defendant, who was employed as a dispatch rider in a food supplement company for a week, stole supplements worth N800,000 given to him to deliver to the company’s wholesalers.

Mr Olaluwoye stated that the defendant also allegedly conspired with another dispatch rider in the company to steal a motorcycle belonging to the company.

The offences contravened Sections 411 and 287 (7) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised), with Section 287 (7) prescribing a seven-year jail term upon conviction for stealing from one’s employer, while 411 stipulates two years imprisonment for conspiracy.

Chief Magistrate Linda Balogun granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Mrs Balogun said that the sureties should be gainfully employed and show evidence of three years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

She further held that the sureties must also show proof of employment, sources of income and must have their addresses and offices verified by the court.

The Chief Magistrate adjourned the case until May 5 for mention.

(NAN)