45-year-old driver docked over alleged theft of N7.4m goods

A 45-year-old truck driver, Rafiu Gidado, on
Friday appeared before an Apapa Chief
Magistrates' Court in Lagos over an alleged theft
of goods valued at N7.4 million.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Soji Ojaokomo, told the
court that the accused and two others still at large,
committed the offence on Feb. 28, at the Apapa
Port, Lagos.
"The accused and his accomplices diverted to an
unknown destination, five truck loads of `tin
plates', property of Mr Mukaila Akinwale of No. 4,
Adebugori St., Ajegunle, Apapa, Lagos,"
Ojaokomo said.
He said that the offences breached the provisions
of Sections 285 and 409 of Criminal Code, Laws of
Lagos State, 2011.
Section 285 of the Criminal Code stipulates three
years imprisonment for stealing.
However, Gidado, who resides at Olodi-Apapa area
of Lagos, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Oluyemisi Adelaja,
granted the accused bail in the sum of N300, 000
with two sureties in like sum.
She directed that the sureties must show evidence
of tax payment to the Lagos State Government,
and that their addresses should also be verified by
the prosecutor.
Adelaja adjourned the case till May 20, for further
hearing.