27th July, 2015
Paul Iyoghojie
The police at Ikoyi Division, Lagos, western Nigeria, have arrested a staff of SCOA Nigeria Plc, Grace Akpan, 36, for allegedly conspiring with two domestic servants of her employer to steal his properties valued at N8,164,000.00.
Other suspects arrested in connection with the alleged theft included Houeze Vincent, 33, and Sambo Akpan, 42.
The suspects were arraigned before an Igbosere magistrates’ court on a two-count charge of felony to wit: stealing. Police prosecutor, Inspector Ingobo Emby, informed the court that the accused persons committed the offence on 17 July, 2015 at their employer’s residence, 3, Raymond Njoku street, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Emby told the court that the accused persons were arrested following a complaint by Dr. M. F. Boulus, that the accused persons stole his properties valued at N8,164,000.00 after he left home to work. He said the accused persons stole $2,000 cash, gold rings and wrist watch all valued at N8,164,000.00.
Emby added that the complainant stated that he discovered the theft when he returned home from work and quickly reported the matter to the police.
All the accused persons, however, denied the police allegations in the open court and their counsel, Bar. J.J. Ezemhoya, urged the court to admit his clients to bail on liberal terms with a promise that they will not jump bail.
The presiding magistrate, Mr. H. O. A. Amos who stood in for the Chief Magistrate Mr. Ade Komaya granted the accused persons bail in the sum of N200,000 each with two sureties each in like sum, one of whom must be a blood relation.
Amos adjourned the case till 24 August, 2015 for mention while the defendants were taken to Ikoyi and Kirikiri prisons pending when they will fulfil their bail conditions