The protagonist of this story, whose name echoes through the corridors of justice, recently faced his fate before Magistrate O.Y. Adefope at the Yaba Magistrate’s Court on Monday, August 5, 2024. The heavy charges of conspiracy and theft hanging over his shoulders, reveal a disturbing web of events that occurred between June 2023 and February 2024 at Betty Distribution Company located in Ajangbadi, Lagos.
At the heart of this case is the alleged collusion between our protagonist and the store attendant, Sheriff Aminat, to steal products worth a considerable sum of ₦4,431,300.
The dark dealings were brought to light on February 6, 2024, during an audit conducted by the company’s Human Resources Manager. It then became apparent that goods had gone missing, while the corresponding funds had not been deposited into the company account.
The allegations against our protagonist relate to acquisitions of goods within the Okokomaiko branch, made without the approval of the manager, followed by a failure to deliver to customers.
Following this initial report, a series of questions were directed to our protagonist. In the absence of immediate evidence, a more thorough police investigation was necessary. This revealed sufficient evidence directly implicating our protagonist in the reprehensible acts. Faced with this damning evidence, he allegedly confessed his involvement while promising to return the embezzled funds, a promise that remained unfulfilled.
During his arraignment before the court, the Public Prosecutor, Haruna Magaji, stated that the alleged acts contravened Sections 411, 314 and 287 (a) (b) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015. The testimony of the complainant, corroborated by the evidence of the investigation, supports the prosecution’s case against our protagonist.
Despite the latter’s not guilty plea, Magistrate Nwaka set bail at ₦4 million, requiring the presence of four sureties residing in Lagos State. Our protagonist, until his bail is approved, will remain incarcerated at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre, a Gironde of Justice that is preparing to deliver its verdict.