Four drivers, who allegedly stole N40 million worth of diesel, were on Tuesday arraigned before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court.

The defendants, Ibrahim Umaru, 32; Sunday Ojo, 33; Idowu Falade, 35 and Ibrahim Bala, 46, all employees of A & A Global Leasing Services Ltd, pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and diversion of product

The prosecutor, ASP Raji Akeem told the court that the offences were committed between May 25 and June 30 at A & A Global Leasing Services Limited, Engineering Close, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Mr Akeem said that the drivers loaded liters of diesel to be delivered at different fuel stations, but they diverted some on the way.

The prosecutor also said that after the defendants had siphoned some litres of fuel from their petroleum tankers, they added some unknown substance to the stock in their cargoes.

The offences, the prosecutor said, contravened Sections 160, 287 and 411 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

Chief Magistrate B.O. Osunsanmi granted the defendants bail in the sum of N2 million each with two sureties in like sum.

Ms Osunsanmi adjourned the case until Sept. 27 for mention. 

(NAN)