Three casual workers in court over alleged theft of bus, 20 batteries

Three casual workers who allegedly broke into a company’s warehouse and stole a bus and 20 motor batteries valued at N980,000, on Tuesday appeared before an Apapa Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

The accused, Frank Ebele, 25; Sylvester Essien, 48; and Desmond Emereole, 35, all residents of Apapa, are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, burglary and stealing.

The prosecutor, Cpl. Kingsley Jackson said that they committed the offences on Sept. 9 at Chinbel Industries Limited, No. 17, Benster Crescent, Alahun Ozumba St., Maza-Maza, Lagos.

Jackson said that the accused conspired and broke into the company’s warehouse and stole 20 motor batteries and a bus with registration number KJA904XA, all valued at N980,000.

They were caught by security guards who saw them roaming around the warehouse late in the night, a day after the incident.

The prosecutor said that the offences contravened the provisions of Sections 285, 306 and 409 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 285 prescribes three years imprisonment for stealing, while Section 409 stipulates two years imprisonment for conspiracy, if convicted.

The senior magistrate, Mr Mukaila Fadeyi granted them bail in the sum of N200,000 each with two sureties each in like sum.

He adjourned the case till Oct. 10 for mention. (NAN)