Caterpillar operator, others get N1m bail each for site theft

A caterpillar operator and two others have been arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court for allegedly stealing building materials. They were alleged to have committed the offences on July 2, at about 7am, in Aiyeteju Village Ibeju Lekki, Lagos. Those accused are Yekini 33, Femi Johnson 34 and Adebare Ademoye 35.

They are facing a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing and malicious damage preferred against them by the police.

The prosecutor, Sergeant Innocent Odugbo, told the court that the defendants and others who are still at large, conspired to commit the alleged offences. Odugbo also alleged that the defendants stole the following; two tons of 12mm iron rods, one ton of 10mm iron rods, two tons of 16mm iron rods all valued at N650,000.

Others are 250 bags of cement valued at N400,000, 90 tons of granite valued at N430,000,  four trips of sharp sand valued at N190,000  all with a total value of N1,610,000.

According to the prosecutor, the offences committed are punishable under section 409, 285 (5), 337 of the criminal law s of Lagos state 2011. The defendants all pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against them by the police.

Consequently, Magistrate J.O.K Adepoju admitted them to bail in the sum of N1million each, with two sureties each in like sums.

The case was adjourned  till September 13, for mention.