On Thursday, the police dragged two men before an Ejigbo Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly stealing generating sets valued at ₦3.8 million.

The defendants are Oyogho Lawson, 61; and Oyesola Toheeb, 35.

They are standing trial on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing and receiving stolen property.

The duo, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, Benedict Aigbohkan, told the court that the defendants conspired with others now at large to commit the offences between February 20 and March 15 in Ayobo, Lagos.

He alleged that Mr Lawson stole the generating sets, while Toheeb dishonestly received the stolen items.

According to him, they stole three Sumec Fireman generators valued at N2.8 million, belonging to Irepodun, Moboluwaduro/Ogo Oluwade CDA in Ayobo.

He added that they also stole two other Sumec Fireman generators valued at N1 million belonging to Blessing Enwerem and Ayomide Akinwoye.

According to him, the total value of stolen items is N3.8 million.

The offences contravene the provisions of sections 287, 328 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Section 287 prescribes a penalty of three years’ imprisonment for stealing.

Section 328 stipulates a penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment for receiving stolen property, while section 411 provides a penalty of two years’ imprisonment for conspiracy.

The Magistrate, K.A. Dosumu, granted the defendants bail in the sum of one million naira each, with two sureties each in like sum.

She ordered that the sureties must show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State government.

The court adjourned the case until May 19 for mention. 

(NAN)