A 32-year-old man, Temitope Oluwasegun, on Tuesday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly stealing 5000 litres of diesel valued at N5.4 million.

Oluwasegun, who resides at Oba Akran area of Ikeja, was charged with three-counts bordering on receiving stolen goods and stealing.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him by the police.

Earlier, the police prosecutor, Josephine Ikayare, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on January 9, 2025, at Obasa Estate, off Oba Akran, Ikeja, Lagos.

She alleged that the defendant conspired with others at large and dishonestly received from one Mr Gabu 5000 litres of diesel valued at N5.4 million.

The prosecutor said that the defendant received the item without the consent of the original owner, one Mr Idowu Sunday.

She said on Jan.10, the defendant dishonestly sold the diesel without the consent of the owner, and converted the money to his personal use.

She said the offences contravened Sections 115, 287, 328(1) and 411 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 328 stipulates six months imprisonment for anyone found guilty of having in possession anything suspected to be stolen.

NAN also reports that Section 115 stipulates three years imprisonment for making false statements and declarations.

The Magistrate, L.A Owolabi, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N200,000 with two reliable sureties in like sum.

He said the sureties must be gainfully employed with evidence of tax payment and verification.

He adjourned the case until February 3 for hearing.

(NAN)