Domestic staff in court for allegedly stealing employer’s jewellery

A 30-year-old domestic staff, Juliet Oke, who allegedly broke into her employer’s room and stole gold jewellery worth N15 million, on Thursday appeared in an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court.

The police charged Oke with four counts bordering on conspiracy, stealing and breaking and entry.

The Prosecution Counsel, Sgt. Michael Unah alleged that the defendant broke into the bedroom of the complainant, Mrs Ayinke Soyinka and stole the jewellery.

He said that the defendant committed the offence with others still at large on May 18, at 10 a.m. at Ogudu in Lagos.

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The offence he added contravened the provisions of sections 287, 307 and 411 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015, (Revised).

After the charge was read to her, she pleaded not guilty.

NAN reports that stealing from employer stipulates seven years jail term while housebreaking and conspiracy attract two years if found convicted.

Chief Magistrate A.A. Fashola admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Fashola ordered that the sureties must be gainfully employed with an evidence of three years tax payment to the Lagos State Government and their addresses verified by the court.

He added that the sureties should be blood relatives of the defendant and reside within the court’s jurisdiction.

The Magistrate adjourned the case until July 22 for hearing.