CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
A 42-year-old man, Chidi Okafor, was arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate Court in Ojo over allegations of burgling and carting away goods valued at N4,251,400 from a store at the Trade Fair Complex.
The charge, numbered 07/1/94/20, was filed by the Commissioner of Police. The alleged incident was said to have occurred on May 21, 2026 at about 9:30 a.m. at APT, Trade Fair Complex, in the Lagos magisterial district.
According to the charge sheet, Okafor and others now at large were accused of conspiracy to commit felony. The offence was described as store breaking and stealing, contrary to Section 411 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.
In Count II, the defendant and others were alleged to have broken and entered into the store of one Ewulum Uzoma. The prosecution stated this act constitutes an offence contrary to, and punishable under, Section 309(1) of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.
Count III bordered on alleged theft. The charge stated that the accused persons dishonestly carted away various clothing items belonging to Mr. Uzoma.
The items listed include 50 pieces of joggers with rubber trousers valued at N8,500 each, totaling N425,000. Also listed were 110 pieces of sleeveless polo shirts valued at N8,100 each, totaling N891,000.
Other items allegedly taken include 98 pieces of polo with printing valued at N7,800 each, totaling N764,400. The charge also listed 67 pieces of baggy jeans trousers valued at N9,000 each, totaling N603,000.
Further listed were 40 pieces of hoodies with sleeves valued at N14,000 each, totaling N560,000. The prosecution also alleged 84 pieces of plain jeans trousers valued at N12,000 each, totaling N1,008,000.
The total value of the alleged stolen goods was put at N4,251,400. The prosecution said the offense is contrary to Section 280 and punishable under Section 287(5)(f) of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.
The case was presented by the prosecutor, SP Uche Simeon. The Investigating Police Officer listed on the charge was Inspector Taribo Kingsley of Trade Fair Police Station, Lagos. CSP Elebute O. Abisi, DPO Trade Fair Division, signed the charge.
However, the defendant pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, SP Uche Simeon, asked the Court to give a date for hearing since he pleaded not guilty to enable the Police to prove the allegations.
The presiding Magistrate, Mr. L.K.J. Layeni, granted him bail with two sureties who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment.
The matter was adjourned for mention while the defendant was remanded in custody at the Correctional Center pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.
Under Nigerian law, every person charged with an offence is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction. The court will determine the case based on evidence presented during trial.