A 48-year-old driver, Gabriel Ojeaga, appeared in an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court on Monday for allegedly stealing a Hilux pick-up van worth N19 million.

The police charged Mr Ojeaga with conspiracy and theft.

The prosecution counsel, Benson Emuerhi, said that the offence contravened the provisions of sections 411 and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Mr Emuerhi told the court that Mr Ojeaga and other persons at large, committed the offence on July 19, at No. 22, Aina Street, Shogunle in Oshodi, Lagos State.

He alleged that the defendant stole a Hilux pick-up van with registration number AKD 549 DA belonging to RCCG Holy Ghost Congress.

He said that Mr Ojeaga was asked to deliver some goods, but he disappeared with the van. It was later discovered that he was the mastermind of the theft.

Section 287 stipulates three years imprisonment for theft.

Meanwhile, Mr Ojeaga pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The magistrate J. A. Adegun admitted the defendant to bail of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

Mr Adegun adjourned the case till August 18 for mention.