Ex Airtel staff docked over alleged N5.5m phone theft

A former employee of Airtel Communication Nigeria Limited, Babatunde Lasisi, was on Wednesday docked at an Igbosere magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly stealing mobile phones valued at N5.5 million.
The accused, 45, whose address was not given, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.
The prosecutor, Okete Ejime, told the court that the accused and one Adewale Olatunbosun, still at large, committed the offences between November 1 and 25, at Airtel Nigeria Limited Head Office, Banana Island Lagos.
He said that the accused stole 123 pieces of ZTE mobile phones valued at N5.5 million, belonging to Airtel CommunicationS Nigeria Limited.
Ejime said the CCTV captured the accused while he was perpetrating the alleged act.
The offences contravened Sections 285 (1) and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge preferred against him.
Emmanuel Banney, counsel to the accused, urged the court to admit his client to bail in liberal terms.
The Magistrate, A. O. Awogboro, admitted him to bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.
Awogboro said that the sureties must have a substantial means of livelihood and show evidence of tax payments to the Lagos State Government.
She also ordered that one the sureties must be a blood relation of the accused.
The magistrate also ordered that the sureties must reside in Lagos State and their addresses must be verified by the court Registrar.
Awogboro adjourned the case till December 13, for mention.