Man, 31, arraigned for allegedly stealing employer’s N4.1m

A 31-year-old employee, Chika Odey, who allegedly stole his employer’s N4.1 million was on Wednesday in Lagos brought before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.

Odey, a resident of Agege, Lagos State, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecutor, Insp. Lucky Ihiehie, told the court that the defendant committed the offence between January and December 2021 at Dopemu, Agege, Lagos State.

He said the defendant stole the money belonging to  Okechukwu Osaigwu.

“The defendant, who was employed as the Branch Manager of Qualitiks Company, stole the complainant’s money.

“When the theft was detected, the defendant was questioned, but he could not give a satisfactory answer on the missing money.

“He was handed over to the police,” the prosecutor said.

The offence violates Section 287(7) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the section carries seven years’ imprisonment for stealing from employer.

Magistrate A.O. Layinka gave the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties, as part of the bail conditions.

Layinka said the sureties should be gainfully employed and must show evidence of two years’ tax payment to the Lagos State government.

The case was adjourned until Jan. 25, 2022.