Employee docked over alleged N18m theft

A 22-year-old man, Ogochukwu Eze, who allegedly stole his boss’ N18 million, was on Wednesday brought before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court.

Eze is facing a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing.

The accused, who resides at No. 25, Silver St., Olodi-Apapa, Lagos, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Donjor Perezi, had earlier told the court that the accused committed the offences with others still at large at about 1.20 p.m. on July 18, at No. 2, Shangbemi St., Jankara, Lagos.

Perezi alleged that the accused stole N18 million, property of the complainant, Ikechukwu Okoye.

According to him, the accused had earlier served the complainant as a sales boy for seven years before he was made a manager.

He said that the accused had been taking money from the safe and moving goods without his boss consent.

“The accused, under the pretence of supplying goods, also forged a company’s documents and was eventually arrested, while his accomplices escaped,” he said.

Perezi said that the offences contravened Sections 285, 367 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 287 prescribes three years imprisonment for stealing, while Section 411 provides two years for conspiracy.

In her ruling, the Chief Magistrate, Mrs O.A. Layinka, granted the accused a bail of N1.5 million with two sureties in like sum.

Layinka said that the sureties should provide evidence of three years tax payment to the Lagos State Government, and adjourned the case until Oct. 2 for mention.