CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
Two men were arraigned before a Lagos Magisterial District Court sitting in Ejigbo on Monday over allegations of conspiracy and stealing 198 bags of Dangote cement worth ₦2,385,900 from a company’s store in Ijegun, Lagos.
The defendants, Ola Adeoti, 33, and Gabriel Samuel, 23, appeared before the court on a three-count charge filed by the Commissioner of Police.
According to the charge sheet, the alleged incident occurred on June 15, 2026 at about 8:00am at Thomas Adeoye and Sons Nig. Ltd, located at Ijagemo, Ijegun, within the Lagos Magisterial District.
The prosecution alleged that the defendants, alongside one other person now at large, conspired among themselves to commit the offence. This is contrary to Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, Nigeria 2015.
In Count Two, the Police alleged that the defendants conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace. They were accused of stealing 198 bags of Dangote cement from the company store.
The offence is said to be punishable under Section 168 (d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, Nigeria 2015.
Count Three stated that the defendants allegedly stole the 198 bags of Dangote cement valued at ₦2,385,900. The cement is said to be the property of Thomas Adeoye & Sons Nig. Limited.
The company was represented by one Adegboye Idowu. The prosecution said the alleged theft contravened Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, Nigeria 2015.
Court records indicated that the charge was presented before the court by SP Ogbonoko Grace of the Nigeria Police Force.
When the charges were read, the defendants pleaded not guilty. The prosecutor, ASP Simeon Njue, asked the court for a date to enable the police to prove the allegations.
The presiding Magistrate, Miss F.R. Ogunkoyede, granted each defendant bail with two sureties in like sum. The sureties were ordered to show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment.
The matter was adjourned for further mention. The defendants were remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending the perfection of their bail conditions. The court said the prosecution should be ready to present witnesses at the next date.
Legal experts say the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty by the court at the conclusion of trial. As at press time, efforts to reach the management of Thomas Adeoye & Sons Nig. Limited for comment were unsuccessful.
