Two employees docked over theft of N1.6m

Two men, Austin Ebibi and Kolawole Hammed, who allegedly stole their employer’s $2,300 US dollars (about N1.6 million), were on Thursday brought before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

The accused, Ebibi, 23, a cleaner and Hammed, 23, an Aluminium fabricator, are facing a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing.

They reside at No.1/2, Agboyi Road, Alapere-Ketu, and Ogudu area of Lagos respectively.

The Prosecutor, Insp. Igonbo Emby, said that on Jan. 30, at 5:00 p.m., at No. 14, Anifowoshe St., Victoria Island, Lagos, one of the accused, Ebibi, stole the sum of $2,300.

Emby also said that on March 7, at 9:00 p.m., at the same address, Hammed, received the sum of 400 US dollars, equivalent to N184, 000 from Ebibi.

He said that the money belonged to Mr Mina Oforiokuma, their employer.

The prosecutor, however, said that the offence contravened Sections 285 (7), 326 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Magistrate W. B. Balogun, granted them bail in the sum of N2 million each, with two sureties each in like sum.

Balogun said that one of  the sureties must be a blood relative of the accused, who must be working in a reputable company, and must show evidence of three years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

He also said that the addresses of the sureties must be verified.

Balogun, adjourned the case till March 23, for mention.