By Felix Kuyinu
One Kazeem Bankole is under prosecution for allegely stealing bags of rice worth N870,000 in Lagos.
During Bankole’s trial at the Badagry Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, the 36-year-old was accused of stealing ten packs of 50 kilograms of rice.
He faces a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing, as imposed on him by the Police.
He pleaded not guilty.
However, Police Prosecutor, Inspector Edet Ekpo, remarked his not guilty plea as disingenuous.
Ekpo uttered that the suspect stole the food packs alongside others at large on October 5 at about 2.30p.m at Mosafejo in Aradagun area of Badagry.
The Prosecutor also mentioned that the stolen goods belong to one Michael Oyediji – the complainant.
He said that the defendant, having commited the theft act at the complainant’s shop, was caught by security guards who handed him over to the police.
According to Ekpo, the act contravened Sections 411 and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
According to reports, Section 287 stipulates three year jail term for stealing, while Section 411 provides two years for conspiracy.
Presiding over the matter, Magistrate Nurudeen Layeni granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.
Layeni ordered that one of sureties must be a civil servant on grade level 12.
The defendant is to be re-arraigned on November 14.
