Two Men Arraigned Over Alleged Theft of $3,100, N57m Diamond Watch in Lekki
Kehinde Adeleye
A Lagos Magistrate Court has remanded two men, Abubakar Yakubu, 29, and Mohammed Ali, 28, at the Correctional Centre, Kirikiri Town, following their arraignment over alleged conspiracy and stealing in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.
The defendants were arraigned before Magistrate L.A. Owolabi on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit felony and stealing.
The prosecutor, SP Josephine Ihkayere, told the court that Yakubu and Ali, alongside other suspects who are still at large, allegedly committed the offences on May 4, 2026, at about 7:00 a.m. in Lekki Phase 1, within the Lagos Magisterial District.
According to the charge sheet, the defendants allegedly conspired to commit a felony, namely stealing, an offence said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
In the second count, the prosecution alleged that the defendants stole $3,100 and a diamond wristwatch valued at N57 million, said to be the property of Oluwakemi Mary.
The prosecution stated that the alleged stealing offence contravenes Section 280 and is punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The case was investigated by operatives of Commander Tactical Squad 1, State Headquarters, Ikeja. The squad is headed by SP Banti Adamu, while ASP Igbinedion James served as the Investigating Police Officer.
Court records showed that legal advice for prosecution was issued and approved by the District Prosecution Office, Ogba, under the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, on August 15, 2026.
When the charges were read and explained to the defendants, their pleas were recorded by the court.
Following the arraignment, defence counsel applied for bail on liberal terms. The prosecution did not oppose the application but urged the court to impose conditions that would ensure the defendants appeared for trial.
In his ruling, Magistrate Owolabi granted the defendants bail with two sureties each. The court directed that each surety must provide evidence of means of livelihood and proof of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
The magistrate, however, ordered that the defendants remain at the Correctional Centre, Kirikiri Town, pending the perfection of their bail conditions.
The court also directed that the case file be properly documented with the relevant exhibits, bail records and other proceedings before adjourning the matter for mention.
The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
