27th June, 2016
A 31-year-old unemployed man, Lateef Babatope, was on Monday brought before a Badagry Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State for allegedly stealing a car worth N300,000.
The accused, whose address is unknown, is facing a one-count charge of stealing.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Innocent Uko told the court that the accused committed the offence on June 24 at the Gbaji area of Badagry.
He noted that the car which was a Mazda 232, was stolen from the complainant, Mr Francis Ajones.
“The accused was walking by when he spotted the car and noticed that the engine of the car was running and there was no one inside the vehicle.
“Thinking that no one was looking at him, he entered into the car and drove off, but he was caught by the owner of the car, who ran after him,” he said.
Uko said that the offence committed contravened Section 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him.
Counsel to the accused, Mr Charles Okoye, pleaded with the court to grant bail to the accused since the offence was a bailable one.
The Magistrate, Mr Abiodun Etti, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N500, 000 and two sureties, who must provide evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
The case was adjourned until July 27, for further hearing.