Employee arraigned over alleged N4.3m theft

A 30-year-old account officer, Bolaji Shodeinde, on Monday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State over alleged theft of his employer’s N4.3 million.
Shodeinde, who lives at Ikotun, Lagos, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
According to the prosecutor, ASP Ezekiel Ayorinde, the defendant committed the offence on December 23, 2019 at Abule-Egba, Lagos State.
Ayorinde said the defendant stole the money from the complainant, Jumai Nigeria International Limited, which employed him.
Ayorinde said: “The complainant discovered discrepancies in the account of the defendant, who is responsible for collecting and depositing cash collected from products delivery.
“When auditing was conducted, the defendant could not account for some money.
“He was handed over to the police.”
Stealing from one’s employer contravenes Section 287(7) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the section prescribes seven years’ jail term for the offence.
The Magistrate, B.O. Osunsanmi released the defendant on bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.
Osunsanmi ordered that the sureties should be gainfully employed and show evidence of two years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
The magistrate adjourned the case until March 30 for hearing.