A 29-year-old trader, Ebube Arinze, was on Monday in Lagos docked at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly breaking into an apartment and stealing valuables worth N457,000.
According to the Prosecutor, ASP Clifford Ogu, the accused committed the offences on Jan. 13 at Ogba, Lagos.
He said the accused broke into the residence of Mr Adekunle Bada and stole a gold ring and necklace valued at N290,000, a HP laptop worth N132,000 and N35,000 cash, all amounting to N457,000.
Ogu said that the accused was caught by neighbours when he was about escaping with the stolen items.
“He was apprehended by neighbours who saw him coming out of the complainant’s flat.
“When he was questioned and could not give satisfactory account of his mission, the complainant was called to return home.
“The stolen items were recovered and he was handed over to the police,” the prosecutor said.
The offences contravened Sections 287 and 307(a) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 287 carries three years imprisonment for stealing, while Section 307(a) attracts seven years for burglary.
Arinze, who resides at Oke-Ira, Ogba, Lagos, however, pleaded innocence of the two-count charge of burglary and stealing.
Magistrate Mr J.A Adegun granted the accused bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in the like sum.
Adegun said that the sureties should be gainfully employed and show evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
The case was adjourned until Feb. 20 for mention.
