CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
A 36-year-old woman, Rofiat Tesileem Bello, was arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate Court in Lagos over allegations of conspiracy, stealing and conduct likely to cause breach of peace. The charge sheet was filed by the Commissioner of Police.
According to court documents, the defendant and “others at large” were alleged to have committed the offences on December 30, 2025 at about 08:45 hrs at No. 25, Ifelodun Street, Abule Egba, Lagos, within the Ikeja Magisterial District.
Count 1 of the charge alleged conspiracy to commit felony to wit stealing. The prosecution stated that the act is contrary to and punishable under Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.
In Count 2, the defendant was alleged to have stolen by converting the total sum of N10,000,000 belonging to K & J Hotel and Suites. Police alleged the money was received into a personal Sterling Bank account from customers of the hotel. The offence was listed under Section 280 (1)(b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Count 3 contained a further allegation of conversion. The charge stated that the defendant and others at large allegedly coerced a receptionist, one Aladela Christiana, to use her personal Opay account to receive N550,000 meant for K & J Hotel and Suites. Prosecutors alleged the money was later remitted to the same Sterling Bank account listed above. This is also cited under Section 280 (1)(b).
Count 4 alleged direct theft of cash. The document stated that on the same date and location, the defendant allegedly stole N37,000, property of K & J Hotel and Suites. The prosecution cited Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The fifth count bordered on public order. The charge alleged that the defendant and others at large “did conduct themselves in a manner likely to cause breach of peace” on the same date, time and place. This is said to be contrary to Section 168(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The total sum alleged to have been diverted across the counts is N10,587,000. The hotel named in the charge is K & J Hotel and Suites, located in the Abule Egba area of Lagos.
The charge sheet was signed and presented by Police Officer Kawunda Aliyu of the New Oko Oba Division and Inspector Ozoemezilem Stanley as the Investigation Police Officer.
She pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, SP Philip Ademigbuji, asked the Court for a date for hearing to enable the Police to prove the allegations.
The presiding Magistrate, Mrs. O. Kusanu, granted her bail with two sureties who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment.
The defendant was remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending when she will perfect her bail conditions while the matter was adjourned for mention.
Legal experts note that charges filed in a Magistrate Court are allegations and do not amount to proof of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in accordance with Nigerian law.
