3 men docked over alleged theft of motorcycle

THREE men were on Wednesday charged before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly stealing a motorcycle valued at N200,000.

The accused  — Rafiu Yusuf, 20; Olufemi Samuel, 39; and Yusuf Akindele, 28 — who all reside at Ogba area of Ikeja, Lagos, are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and forgery.

The Prosecutor, Insp. Ishola Samuel said the accused committed the offences on Dec. 19 at Onibeji Street, Ayobo, Lagos.

He said the accused stole the motorcycle belonging to the complainant, Mr Taju Olabiyi.

The prosecutor said that the accused bought the motorcycle from the complainant on hire-purchase and promised to pay as soon as they made enough profit, a representation they knew was false.

Samuel said that the accused forged the motorcycle’s documents sold it and refused to pay the complainant his money.

“The complainant tried to reach them on their cell phones but all efforts to get through to them proved abortive.

“He reported the case to the police and the accused were traced to their apartments and were arrested and taken to the police station for questioning, ” he said.

Samuel said the offences contravened Sections 287, 364 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 287 prescribes three years imprisonment for stealing, while Section 411 stipulates a two-year jail term for conspiracy.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

In her ruling, the Magistrate, Mrs A.R Onilogbo, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 each with one surety each in like sum.

She said the sureties should show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

Onilogbo adjourned the case until Feb.5 for the mention. (NAN)