CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
The Police in Lagos State have arraigned a 27-year-old man, Ovie Michael, before an Ojo Magisterial District Court over alleged conspiracy and stealing involving television sets and company funds amounting to N50 million.
Michael was arraigned before His Honour WAJ Layeni (Mr.) on Charge No: 3/1/2026 in a case filed by the Commissioner of Police. The defendant is facing a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing, offences punishable under Sections 411 and 287 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.
According to the charge sheet filed by the Divisional Police Officer of Ilemba Hausa Division, Ajangbadi, CSP Jacob Jiya Gana, the defendant, Ovie Michael “M” and one other person who is currently at large, allegedly committed the offences on June 22, 2026, at about 08:20 hours at Divine Care Plaza, Saint Peter Road, Alaba, Ojo, Lagos State, within the Ojo Magisterial District.
Police prosecutor, SP Uche Simon, told the court that in Count One, the defendant and his accomplice at large allegedly conspired among themselves to commit stealing, an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 411 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State.
In Count Two, the prosecution alleged that on the same date, time and place, the defendant and one other at large allegedly stole 50 pieces of different inches of television sets, value yet unknown, and also allegedly stole the sum of N50,000,000.00 (Fifty Million Naira), being money meant for the repair of different television sets belonging to Chitec Screen World.
The Police further alleged that the money, which was supposed to be paid into the company’s account, was diverted into a personal account and converted to personal use without the consent of the company. The offence is said to be punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State.
When the charges were read to him, the defendant pleaded Not Guilty.
Following his plea, the court considered his bail application. The Magistrate, His Honour WAJ Layeni, granted bail to the defendant with two responsible sureties, who must provide evidence of tax payment and verifiable residential addresses. The court also ordered verification of the sureties’ addresses.
The matter was thereafter adjourned for further proceedings and the defendant was remanded in Correctional Center pending the perfection of bail conditions.
The Police said investigation is still ongoing at Ilemba Hausa Police Station, Lagos State, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the other suspect who is at large.
It should be noted that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by the court, and the charges against him are mere allegations which are yet to be proved.