28-year-old man docked for allegedly breaking into an office, stealing N1.6m

Lagos – A 28-year-old unemployed man, Taiwo Ogunmodede, who allegedly broke into a real estate firm and stole N1.6 million, on Monday appeared in a Yaba Chief Magistrates’ court in Lagos.

Ogunmodede, whose address was not provided, is charged with two counts of burglary and stealing.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Modupe Olaluwoye told the court that the defendant on Oct. 24, 2018, at 2 a.m. broke into a real estate firm at Mile II Estate in Lagos, belonging to Mr. Babatunde Shittu.

Olaluwoye alleged that the defendant stole an Infinix Note 5 phone valued at N102, 000 and N1.6 million cash that was locked in the complainant’s office desk.

“My Lord, a neighbour saw the man running away from the office at 2 a.m. and called the attention of the security guard to it.

“When the guard went to check the office, he noticed that it had been broken into and he reported the matter at the police station,” she said.

The offence, she said, contravened the provisions of sections 287 and 307 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Reports show that Section 307 stipulates seven-year jail term for the offence of burglary.

In her ruling, Magistrate Oluwatoyin Oghere, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two responsible sureties in like sum.

Oghere ordered that the sureties must be gainfully employed and show evidence of three years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

The case was adjourned until May 15 for mention.

Credit: SundiataPost