Cook accused of stealing N21.9m cash, jewelry

A professional cook, Celestine Emmanuel, who allegedly stole cash and property valued at N21.9 million, on Tuesday appeared at a Yaba Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State.
Emmanuel, 29, who resides in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, is facing charges of conspiracy and stealing.
The prosecutor, ASP Felix Ifijen, told the court that the accused stole gold jewelery, shoes, wrist-watches, camcorders, cameras, designer sunglasses and cash.
Ifijen alleged that the valuables were stolen on August 11, 2012 and November 7, 2012, from Anne Rumbolo and Taiwo Abalaka respectively, his two previous employers.
He alleged that the offences were committed at 1, Zoran Court and Plot 6, T.F. Kuboye Road, Oniru Estate, Lekki, Lagos.
Ifijen said: “Emmanuel was employed on August 1, 2012, by Abalaka.
“He worked for 10 days after which he disappeared with her belongings, including gold jewelery, cameras, camcorders and cash valued at N1.6 million.
“The accused was later employed by Rumbolo on November 1, 2012 after which he stole her property, including gold jewelery, shoes, cameras, sunglasses and cash valued at N20,269,000.”
He said the offence contravened Sections 278 and 285 of the Criminal Code of Lagos State, 2011.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.
Section 285 provides that any person who steals any property is guilty of felony and liable, if no other punishment is provided, to three years imprisonment.
The Magistrate, Philip Ojo, granted the accused bail for N2 million with two sureties in like sum.
Ojo adjourned the case to June 5 for mention.