CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
A 36-year-old man, Moses Ogundina, was on Monday arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Ikeja, Lagos, over allegations of conspiracy, stealing a truck valued at N250 million, and willfully damaging 900 bags of flour.
The defendant was brought before Magistrate Mr. L.A. Owolabi on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing, and malicious damage.
According to the charge sheet presented in court, the offences were contrary to and punishable under Sections 411, 287 and 350 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
Police alleged that the incident occurred on April 15, 2026, at PC Energy and Logistic No. 5, Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, within the Ikeja Magisterial District.
The prosecutor, SP Josephine Ihkayere, told the court that the defendant allegedly conspired with others who are currently at large to commit the felony.
SP Ihkayere said the defendant and the others at large allegedly stole one truck with registration number MNG 229 XB valued at Two Hundred and Fifty Million Naira, N250,000,000.00, property of GPC Energy and Logistic.
The prosecutor further alleged that on the same date, time and place, the defendant and others at large unlawfully and willfully damaged 900 bags of flour belonging to Flour Mills Nigeria Limited.
SP Ihkayere told the court that the damage occurred after the suspects allegedly carried 180 packs of drugs that contaminated the flour products. The property was said to be in the custody of GPC Energy and Logistic, No. 5, Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Ikeja.
The prosecutor informed the court that investigations into the matter had been concluded and that the case file would be duplicated and forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, DPP, for legal advice.
After listening to the prosecutor, Magistrate Owolabi did not take the plea of the defendant. The Magistrate ordered that he be remanded in custody at the Correctional Center in Kirikiri Town, Lagos, pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.
On bail, Magistrate Owolabi granted bail to the defendant with two sureties. The Magistrate ruled that the sureties must show evidence of means of livelihood and present proof of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
Legal observers who spoke after proceedings noted that Sections 287 and 350 of the Lagos Criminal Law prescribed stiff penalties for stealing and malicious damage to property. They said the law is clear in protecting businesses and logistics companies from economic sabotage.
The Lagos State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to clamping down on cargo theft and product tampering within the state. Officers of the Alausa Division, who handled the case, said efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspects currently at large in connection with the incident.
Business owners and logistics operators in Oregun and Ikeja have in recent months raised concerns over rising cases of truck theft and contamination of goods in transit. Security experts advise companies to install GPS trackers on trucks and strengthen warehouse monitoring to prevent similar occurrences.
Human rights and legal advocacy groups have also called for speedy prosecution of economic crimes. They stress that timely trials help to protect businesses, preserve jobs, and maintain public trust in the justice system.
The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a Court of competent jurisdiction.
The matter was adjourned to a later date for mention, pending the DPP’s advice and perfection of the defendant’s bail conditions.
The defendant remains in custody at the Kirikiri Correctional Center pending the fulfillment of his bail terms.