N36.6m wheat theft: Trial of 8 Dangote truck drivers resume

wheat-import

After eight years of adjournment at the Ikeja Magisterial District, an Apapa Magistrates’ Court began the cross-examination of eight Dangote truck drivers and two others for allegedly stealing N36.6 million wheat at Igando, Lagos.

The eight Dangote truck drivers are Sarafa Lateef, Afeez Gbadamosi, Adeshina Oyelola, Moruf Isamat, Adebowale Adetomiwa, Olumuyiwa Ajayi, Ademola Oladimeji and Semiu Yekini and the other two men are Ilesanmi Jacob and Fowotade Oluleye.

The prosecutor, Inspector Rachael Williams told the court that the defendants committed the offence between August 28 and December 17, 2009 at Igando, Lagos.

Williams said, “The defendants conspired together to steal 731.77 tons of wheat valued about N36.6 million property of Dangote Group of Companies.

“The defendants also forged Dangote Group of Companies waybills while Jacob and Oluleye received the 731.77 tons of wheat at N36.6 million property of Dangote Group of Companies Limited knowing same to have been stolen.”

According to her, the offences are punishable under sections 516, 390(9), 467(i) and 427 of the Criminal Code Cap 17 Vol. 2 Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2003.

During the cross examination, the Investigation Police Officer (IPO), Assistant Superintendent of Police, Samuel Owojaiye, told the court that the defendants attested to the fact that they stole the wheats. He also affirmed that they have been indulging in such illegal dealings.

The Magistrate, L.Y Balogun adjourned the case till August 24, 2018 for continuation of trial.