LAGOS – A 32-year-old civil servant, Adams Rufai, has appeared before an Oshodi Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for allegedly stealing property worth N180, 000.
Rufai, who resides at No. 9, Ariyibi Close, Mafoluku, Oshodi, is standing trail on a three-count charge of unlawful entry, conspiracy and stealing.
The Prosecutor, Cpl. Kehinde Olatunde, told the court that the accused committed the offences on December7 at No. 2, Baserin St., Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos.
He said that the accused and two others at large conspired and unlawfully entered one Mr Soji Onideko’s house and stole his properties worth N180, 000.
The accused carted away with a refrigerator valued at N53, 000, a Sony home theatre valued at N60, 000 and Samsung flat screen television valued at N52,000.
Other item carted away by the accused includes a Samsung touch screen phone valued at N15, 000, all totaling N180, 000.
Olatunde said that the accused came with two soldiers and threatened to kill the complainant if he refused to cooperate with them.
They beat Onideko with chain and belt, threatened to kill him if he did not cooperate with them, took his photograph and forced him to bring his identity card which they snapped.
“The accused also asked him to write at the back of the receipt of his property that the property now belonged to them which he did under duress,’’ Olatunde said.
Olatunde said the offences contravened Sections 285 and 410 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
Section 285 prescribes three-year jail term as penalty for offenders.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the offences.
The Magistrate, Mr Akeem Fashola, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50, 000 with one surety in like sum and adjourned the case to January 7 for mention.
