CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
A 33-year-old woman, Oluwaseun Taiwo, was on Tuesday arraigned before Magistrate L.A. Owolabi at Court 3, Ogba Magistrate Court, Lagos State, over allegations of conspiracy, stealing, and fraud totaling over N25.2 million at her workplace. The defendant however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
According to the charge sheet filed by the Police, the alleged offences occurred in July 2025 at Sonnex Packaging Nigeria Limited, located at No. 1, Oluorunfunmi Street, Ojota, Lagos State, within the Ikeja Magisterial District. The case was prosecuted by SP Josephine Ihkayere.
Count I of the charge alleged that Taiwo and others now at large conspired among themselves to commit felony, to wit stealing. The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.
In Count II, the Police alleged that on the same date and location, Taiwo fraudulently transferred the sum of N120,000 belonging to Sonnex Packaging Nigeria Limited. The prosecution stated this offence contravened Section 280 and is punishable under Section (b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Count III further alleged that Taiwo and others at large converted property belonging to Sonnex Packaging Nigeria Limited, which amounts to stealing. The Police said this act violates Section 286 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The most serious allegation came under Count IV, where the defendant was accused of conspiracy and fraud by deceit. The charge stated that Taiwo and others at large defrauded Sonnex Packaging Nigeria Limited of N25,087,125, an offence punishable under Section 325 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The total sum allegedly involved in the fraud charges amounted to N25,207,125, combining the N120,000 fraudulent transfer and the N25,087,125 obtained through alleged deceit. The charges were read to the defendant in the open court.
However, she pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, SP Josephine Ihkayere, asked the Court to give a date for hearing since she pleaded not guilty to enable the Police to provide evidence.
The Presiding Magistrate, Mr. L.A. Owolabi, granted the defendant bail with conditions. The bail terms included two sureties and verification of bail documents as stated in the court record. The Investigating Police Officer listed on the charge sheet is Inspector. Etim Patience from Area ‘F’ Command, Ikeja.
The case was adjourned to Monday, June 30, 2026 for further hearing. The defendant was remanded in custody at the Correctional Center at Kirikiri town pending when she will perfect her bail conditions.
Legal experts noted that under Nigerian law, an accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction. Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution guarantees this right to every defendant facing criminal charges.
The matter continues at Ogba Magistrate Court, Court 3, with the prosecution expected to present evidence to support the allegations.