MICHAEL AKINOLA
A 32-year old man, Salisu Ibrahim, has been arrested and charged in Lagos State for allegedly stealing a Toyota Hiace bus worth N15m belonging to Fowotade Lookman, which was parked on the road.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the incident happened on 1st July, 2025, at Cement area of Lagos, where the owner parked the vehicle.
According to the Police, the suspect conspired with others now at large, stole the vehicle and escaped. When the complainant discovered that the Hiace bus was missing, he reported to the Police Tactical team in Magodo and the operatives moved into action.
The suspect was tracked, eventually arrested and detained at the station for interrogation over his alleged conduct. After thorough interrogation, he was found culpable for the alleged offence under the Criminal law of the State.
He was consequently charged before Ogba Magistrate Court for the alleged offence, which attracts several years of imprisonment.
The charges read:
Count I: “That you, SALISU IBRAHIM ‘M’ and others at large on the 1st of July, 2025, at about 08:000hrs at Cement area, Lagos State, in the Ikeja Magisterial District, did conspire among yourselves to commit felony to wit; stealing and thereby committed an offence contrary and punishable under Section 411 Cap Ch. C17 Vol 3 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2025.”
Count II: “That you, SALISU IBRAHIM ‘M’ and others at large on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned Magisterial District, did steal one Toyota Hiace Bus valued at N15,000,000 (Fifteen Million Naira), properties of Fowotade Lookman, and thereby committed an offence contrary and punishable under Section 411 Cap Ch, C17 Vol.3 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2025.”
However, he pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Supol Philip Ademigbuji, then asked the Court to give a date for hearing since he pleaded not guilty to enable the Police to prove that he actually committed the alleged offence.
The Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. O. Kusanu, granted him bail with two sureties, who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment while addresses will be verified by the Court.
The matter was adjourned for mention while the defendant was remanded in custody at the correctional center at Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.