3 artisans docked over alleged theft of N10m boat, diesel

Three artisans were on Wednesday brought before a Tinubu Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly stealing an engine boat and gallons of diesel valued at N10 million.

The accused — Paul Abutu, 30, a cobbler; Solomon Ogbonna, 32, a painter; and Olorunlana Oluwajuni, 27, a fisherman — are being
tried for a two-count charge of conspiracy and theft.

The trio pleaded not guilty to the charges.

But the Prosecutor, Police Insp. Ben Ekundayo told the court that the three accused committed the offences between March and April 22 at 3.00 a.m. at Gravitas Investment Ltd, Chevron Drive, Lekki, Lagos.

He alleged that the three accused and four others now at large, conspired to steal an engine boat and gallons of diesel valued at
N10 million, the property of Gravitas Investment Ltd.

He said the accused had in March invaded the company through the waterways with motorboat, injured a security guard and stole
gallons of diesel and the company’s engine boat.

“The three accused and four others came again on April 22 and had filled two 50-litre kegs with diesel. When they were loading it
into their motorboat, security guards stormed the place.

“They apprehended the three accused but four others jumped into the water and escaped,” the prosecutor told the court.

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The offences contravened Sections 287 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Section 287 stipulates three years imprisonment for stealing, while Section 411 provides two years for conspiracy.

Magistrate Olumide Fusika, in her ruling, granted the three accused bail in the sum of N2 million each with two sureties each
in like sum.

She adjourned the case until May 31.