A 48-year-old man, Innocent Nwoke, was on Wednesday arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly stealing 166 bags of sugar valued at ₦13.114 million.
Nwoke, whose residential address was not disclosed, is facing charges of conspiracy and theft. He pleaded not guilty to both counts.
The prosecutor, SP Josephine Ikhayere, informed the court that the alleged offences occurred on March 13 in the Ikeja area of Lagos.
She stated that Nwoke, along with accomplices who are still at large, conspired to steal the sugar—each bag weighing 50kg—belonging to GPC Energy and Logistics Company Ltd., located at No. 4B Regina Coker Street, Ikeja.
The defendant was reportedly apprehended after a police investigation linked him to the theft.
According to the prosecutor, the offences violate Sections 287 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Magistrate Lateef A. Owolabi granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦600,000 with two sureties in the same amount. One of the sureties must be a blood relative, and both must be gainfully employed.
The case was adjourned until April 30 for hearing.
(NAN)