Truck driver docked for stealing N40,000 at KLT

Apapa-Magistrate’s-Court
Apapa Magistrates’ Court. PHOTO CREDIT: SHIPS & PORTS archive.

A 47-year-old truck driver, Bright Okekchukwu, was on Tuesday arraigned before an Apapa Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing the sum of N40,000 meant for his company at Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT), Apapa.

Okechukwu is facing a two-count charge bordering on breach of peace and stealing.

The port prosecutor, Sergeant Adeniyi Balogun told the court that the defendant committed the offences on March 14, 2019 at Phase II KLT, Apapa.

“The defendant conducted himself in a manner likely to cause the breach of peace by using his company’s (Eagle Haulage Nigeria Ltd) Mack truck with registration number AKD 535 XR to carry a loaded 40ft container from Tin-Can Island to Phase II KLT without the knowledge of his company and violated the company’s rule,” Balogun said.

The port prosecutor also said that the defendant stole the sum of N40,000 being the proceed of the job done for his company by converting it to his personal use instead of remitting same to his company’s account.

According to him, the offences are punishable under sections 168 and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

Magistrate O.A Erinle granted the defendant bail in the sum of N40,000 with two responsible sureties in like sum.

The sureties, according to the Magistrate, must be gainfully employed and furnish the court with six months bank statement and proof of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

She adjourned the case till April 16, 2019 for mention.