A 39-year-old security guard, Ali Ibrahim, was on Friday arraigned before an Apapa Magistrate’s Court for allegedly stealing brass worth N4.5 million belonging to Raji Industry Nigeria Limited in Apapa.
Ibrahim is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and negligence.
The prosecutor, Inspector Sunday Bassey, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on August 31, 2019 at Raji Industry Nigeria Limited, Kirikiri, Apapa.
“The defendant conspired with others at large to steal brass weighing 3 metric tonnes valued at N4.5 million property of Nasir Maliksab Shaik,” Bassey said.
The prosecutor also said that the defendant being an employee as security guard to Raji Industry Nigeria Limited on August 31, 2019 permitted thieves to steal company property.
According to him, the offences are punishable under section 411, 287 and 109 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. However, he admitted to his negligence.
He said, “Two security guards and I went for a party on the night the brass was stolen. I slept over at the party while they returned to their duty post. I was surprised at their sudden disappearance when I returned to work and saw that they had broken the container and took away the brass.”
Magistrate Iyabo Ayilara granted him N500,000 bail with two sureties each in like sum.
The sureties are required to furnish the court with proof of tax payment to Lagos State Government.
She adjourned the case till September 25, 2019 for mention.
