Salesman faces N56,000 theft charge

A 37-year-old salesman, Chidi Udenze, who allegedly ran away with his employer’s N56,000, was on Wednesday brought before an Apapa Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

The accused, who pleaded not guilty to a charge of stealing, resides in Ajegunle area of Lagos.

The Prosecutor, Sgt Olusegun Kokoye, told the court that the accused committed the offence sometime in May 2016 at West-minister Market, Olodi Apapa, Lagos.

He alleged that the accused stole N56, 000 cash being proceeds made from sales and property of one Olabunmi Adesoji.

Kokoye said that the accused was supposed to remit the money to his employer, but instead ran away with the money.

The prosecutor said that the complainant, Adesoji, reported the case to the Police and the accused was traced to his apartment and subsequently arrested.

According to Kokoye, the offence contravenes Section 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the section prescribes three-year jail term for stealing if the accused is found guilty.

The Magistrate, Mrs M. A. Etti, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety in like sum.

Etti said that the surety must be gainfully employed and show evidence of two years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

She adjourned the case until April 11 for mention.