For allegedly stealing 10 drums of kerosene valued at N560,000, a 32-year-old truck driver, Ibrahim Wasiu, was on Monday brought before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.
Wasiu, whose address is unknown, is being tried for stealing and damage.
The Police Prosecutor, ASP Ezekiel Ayorinde, told the court that the accused committed the offences on March 28 at Ogba, Lagos.
He said the accused stole 10 drums of kerosene valued at N560,000, property of Mr Quadri Taiwo.
“The accused used his company’s truck to load the complainant’s kerosene to deliver at Ore,
Ondo State, but he sold the commodity to two different persons and ran away with the proceeds.”
Ayorinde said the complainant traced the accused to his company — Crystal Group of Companies — and reported the theft.
“The accused used the company’s vehicle which was only meant for brewery products to transport kerosene which is against the policy of his company.”
The prosecutor alleged that the accused also damaged the back axle of the truck which would cost the company N800,000 to repair.
“Taiwo and Crystal Company reported the theft and the damage at the station and the accused was arrested.”
The offences contravened Sections 287 (7) and 350 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).
Section 287 (7) stipulates seven years jail term for stealing employer’s property, while Section 350 provides two years for damage.
The accused pleaded innocence of the offences and was granted bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
The Magistrate, Mrs B.O.Osunsanmi, who gave the ruling, said the sureties should be gainfully employed with an evidence of two years tax payment.
The case was adjourned until June 25 for mention.
