CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
A 50-year-old man, Adesina Abdulsata, was on Friday arraigned before an Ogba Magistrate Court in Lagos over alleged conspiracy, stealing, and unlawful entry involving building materials valued at N20 million.
The defendant appeared before Magistrate L.A. Owolabi on a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and constructive entry into premises with intent to commit felony.
The prosecutor, SP Josephine Ihkayere, told the court that the defendant and others still at large committed the offence on June 27, 2026 at No. 6, Moses Shomefu Street, Ifako, Lagos, within the Ikeja Magisterial District.
According to the charge sheet marked M/B/94/24, the prosecution alleged that Abdulsata conspired with others to commit felony to wit stealing. The offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
In Count II, SP Ihkayere alleged that the defendant and others at large stole 22 doors, 20 iron burglary proofs, asbestos roofing sheets, 15 aluminum windows, kitchen cabinet and sanitary wares. The items are said to belong to Mrs. Moyosore Monisola Ajijedijun and were valued at N20,000,000 (Twenty Million Naira).
The prosecutor said the act contravened Section 280 and is punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
In Count III, the defendant was further accused of constructive entry into the premises of Mrs. Ajijedijun with intent to commit felony. The offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 308 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The charge was read to the defendant in court. Abdulsata pleaded not guilty to all three counts.
Following the plea, the prosecutor informed the court that investigation into the matter is ongoing and that other suspects were still being traced.
After listening to submissions from both sides, Magistrate L.A. Owolabi granted the defendant bail in the sum that includes 2 sureties. The magistrate ruled that the sureties must provide evidence of means of livelihood and proof of tax payment.
The court further ordered that the defendant be remanded in custody at the Correctional Center in Kirikiri Town pending when he perfects the bail conditions.
The case was adjourned for further mention.
The matter was prosecuted by the Lagos State Police Command, Area “G” Command. The Investigating Police Officer listed on the charge was Insp. Moses Ogwu.
Legal experts say the case highlights the need for property owners to secure building sites and materials, especially in developing areas of Lagos where construction theft has been reported.
The DPP’s office has approved the charge for prosecution.
However, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by the Court of competent jurisdiction.