Driver docked over alleged theft of official car

A 31-year-old, driver, Oluwatosin Sodende, who allegedly stole his employer’s car valued at N1.7 million, was brought before a Tinubu Magistrates’ Court.

The defendant, who resides at No. 5 Aina St., Oke-Ira Nla, Ajah, Lagos, is facing trial on a two-count charge of car theft and fraudulent conversion.

Sodende, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Ben Ekundayo, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on July 29 at about 5:00p.m.

Ekundayo said the defendant, who was employed as a driver at Telvida Intl. System Ltd., Victoria Island Lagos, stole the company’s Toyota Corolla car with Registration No. KTU 251 FU assigned to him.

He told the court that the defendant’s employer had instructed him to always park the vehicle at the Nigerian Breweries’ premises, Iganmu or at AIICO building Churchgate, Victoria Island, after close of work.

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“Sodende, however, disobeyed the company’s standing instruction and took the vehicle home and claimed that it was stolen from where he had parked it in front of his house.

“The defendant converted the vehicle to his personal use,” Ekundayo told the court.

He said the offences contravened Sections 285 (7) and 312 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

While Section 285 (7) carries seven years imprisonment for stealing, Section 312 prescribes 15 years imprisonment for anyone convicted of fraud.

The Magistrate, Mrs A. M. Olumide-Fusika, granted the defendant N500, 000 bail with two sureties in like sum.

Olumide-Fusika adjourned the case until Sept. 2 for trial.