Three men, Chidiebere Eugene, Promise Okechukwu, and Ugochukwu Maduabuchi, were on Monday arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing fuel pumps valued at N9.3 million.
The defendants, Eugene, 22; Okechukwu, 30; and Maduabuchi, 22, whose addresses were not disclosed, are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing, and receiving stolen property.
They pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecutor, SP Josephine Ikhayere, told the court that the offences were committed between 2024 and February 2025 at Ladipo Market in the Mushin area of Lagos.
She alleged that Eugene stole 500 fuel pumps belonging to Mr Charles Eze and sold them below cost price to the other two defendants, converting the proceeds for personal use.
“Okechukwu and Maduabuchi received the 500 stolen fuel pumps from Eugene, knowing they were stolen,” she said.
The prosecutor said the offences violated Sections 287, 328, and 411 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
Magistrate Lateef Owolabi granted the defendants bail in the sum of N650,000 each, with two sureties each in like sum.
He directed that the sureties must be gainfully employed and present evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
The case was adjourned until August 15 for hearing.
(NAN)