2 men, one female face trial over alleged theft of goods worth N4.4 m

Three persons, Chukwuka Uchendu, 25; Ikechukwu Otakpo, 31 and Grace Ekereke, 26; on Monday appeared before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for alleged theft of goods worth N4.4 million.

The accused , who addresses and occupations were not disclosed in court , are facing a two-count charge of stealing and obtaining under false pretences.
The prosecutor, DSP Etim Nkankuk, told the court that the accused committed the offences between January 2012 and April 2015 at No. 5, Onibudo St., Idumota, Lagos.
He told the court that the trio, who are sales persons working for the complainant, Joel Echetabu, sold goods worth N4.4million but they failed to remit the proceeds to their master.
The prosecutor said that Echetabu observed the shortfall after his accounts were audited.
Nkankuk said that the offences contravened Sections 279 and 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)n reports that Section 285 stipulates seven years’ imprisonment for the offender.
The trio, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr A.O. Isaac, granted the accused bail in the sum of N300, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
Isaac then adjourned the case till July 1 for mention.