4 docked over alleged theft of cell phone worth N40,000

Four men on Friday appeared before an Ojo Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly stealing a Samsung Galaxy phone worth N40,000 belonging to a student of the Lagos State University (LASU).

The accused are Qudus Azeez, 28; Sanusi Ibrahim, 19; Zubaru Saheed, 28; and Nasiru Audu, 24.

They are standing trial on a three-count charge of felony, unlawful possession and stealing.

The prosecutor, Insp. Uche Simon, told the court that the accused had on June 16, at about 2:00p.m. at the Lagos State University (LASU) Campus, Ojo, Lagos, committed the offences.

Simon said the accused disguised as students in the midst of the Christian Students Association members during a prayer session.

“These four men disguised as students of LASU and joined in a special prayer session in the campus church hall and stole the cell phone from one of the students’ pocket.

“When an alarm was raised, the students immediately conducted a search and recovered a Samsung Galaxy phone valued at N40,000 belonging to a student, Olaniyan James,’’ he said.

He said that the offences contravened Sections 326 (1), 285 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

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

The Magistrate, Mr Paul Adedamola, granted each of the accused N20,000 bail with one surety each, who must present evidence of employment in a reputable company.

The case was adjourned till Sept. 13 for mention.