An Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on Thursday ordered that a 42-year-old man, Isiaka Lawal, be remanded in a correctional centre for allegedly diverting 600 bags of sugar worth N18 million.
Lawal is charged with two counts of conspiracy and theft.
He, however pleaded not guilty.
Magistrate O.O. Akingbesote remanded the defendant in Ikoyi Correctional Centre for 30 days. pending legal advice from the office of the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
She has adjourned the case until March 9.
Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Insp Jacob Samuel told the court that the defendant committed the offence on Jan. 29, about 2 a.m., at the Flour Mills Nigeria Limited, Ogere.
He alleged that the complainant, Olaitan Rahman, hired the services of the defendant to convey a truck containing 600 bags of Golden penny sugar worth N18 million to Abuja.
He said, instead Lawal connived with the driver, a mobile police officer and others, who are at large to divert the truck with the goods.
He said the defendant also stole phones and other property worth N26,000.
The offence, he said, contravened the provisions of sections 297 and 299 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.