A 50-year-old man, Adedokun Ayinde, has been arraigned before a Magistrates’ Court in Isabo, Abeokuta, over the alleged theft of a Toyota RAV4 valued at N40 million and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Ayinde, whose address was not disclosed, is facing a two-count charge of stealing and illegal possession of a firearm.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecutor, ASP Lawrence Olu-Balogun, told the court that the defendant was entrusted with a 2020 Toyota RAV4 belonging to Segun Faniran for sale but allegedly sold the vehicle and converted the proceeds to his personal use without the owner’s consent.
He said efforts to recover the money were unsuccessful.
Olu-Balogun further alleged that Ayinde and others still at large were arrested on June 19 at Abijo GRA, Ajah, Lagos, in possession of a locally fabricated pistol without lawful authority or licence.
According to the prosecution, the offences violate provisions of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State and the Firearms Act.
Chief Magistrate A.K. Araba granted the defendant bail in the sum of N5 million with one surety in like sum.
The court ordered that the surety must be a registered bondsman with the Ogun State Judiciary and directed that Ayinde be remanded at the Ibara Correctional Centre pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions.
The case was adjourned until July 21 for hearing.
