Man docked for theft of half bag of melon

A 25-year-old trader, Okwudili Nwoba, on Monday appeared before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos over alleged theft of N50,000 worth of melon.
The accused is facing trial on a two-count charge for obtaining under false pretences and stealing.
He, however, pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Insp. Oladela Adebayo, told the court that the accused committed the offences sometime in 2011 at a market in Ebute Meta.
Adebayo submitted that the accused collected a half bag of melon worth N50,000 from one Onome Igwe, with a promise to pay for the goods after sales.
Igwe said: “After he was given the N50,000 worth of melon, the accused absconded. He was seen and arrested recently.”
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the offences contravene Sections 287 and 315 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The Chief Magistrate, O.O. Olatunji, admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum.
He fixed further hearing in the case for September 24.