23rd January, 2014
A 21-year-old shopkeeper, Chinedu Okey, who allegedly absconded with his employer’s N200, 000, was arraigned on Thursday in Lagos.
Okey, who resides at Ajewole St., Mafoluku in Oshodi area of Lagos, is facing trial at an Oshodi Magistrates’ Court.
The prosecutor, Cpl. Kehinde Olatunde, told the court that the accused committed the offences on Dec.9, 2013 at Oshodi.
He said the accused bolted with N200, 000 belonging to his employer, Mr Chuks Peter.
“The accused was sent by his boss to deposit N200, 000 in the bank, he left the shop with the money and did not return.
“When it was 7.00 p.m. and the accused had not returned, the complainant became worried as the shopkeeper’s phone could not be reached,’’ Olatunde alleged.
Olatunde said since that day, the accused also failed to show up in the shop.
“The complainant traced the address of the accused to Mushin where he claimed he lives but he discovered that it did not exist,’’ he said.
“Peter thereafter reported the matter to the police, who after six weeks arrested the accused at Agege.
“Only N20, 000 was recovered from the accused when a search was conducted on him.’’
The offences, Olatunde noted, contravened Section 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
Section 285 prescribes a three- year jail term as penalty for offenders.
The accused pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of N50, 000 with one surety in like sum.
The Magistrate, Akeem Fashola, adjourned the case to 10 February for mention.