CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested and charged a 26-year-old man before the Ikeja Magistrate Court for his alleged involvement in a night burglary that led to the loss of goods valued at Thirty Six Million, Four Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira in the New Oko-Oba area of Abule Egba, Lagos.
The suspect, Olawale Popoola, 26, was arraigned before Magistrate Mrs. O. Kusanu under Charge No. RUKTES/103/26. He is facing prosecution by the Commissioner of Police on four counts of conspiracy, burglary, stealing and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.
SP Phillip Ademigbuji NG, who is the prosecutor in the matter, informed the court that the incident happened on 8th August, 2026, at night at No. 62, Olaniyi Street, New Oko-Oba, Abule Egba, Lagos, which falls under the Ikeja Magisterial District.
Police investigation revealed that Popoola and others who are still at large allegedly conspired at night time to break into the shop belonging to a trader identified as Chinonso Chiboy.
Once inside, they allegedly carted away a large quantity of wears. The list of items said to have been stolen is extensive and included 300 pieces of round neck shirts, 150 pieces of collar neck shirts, 150 pieces of short sleeve front button shirts, 50 pieces of long sleeve button shirts, 30 pieces of harmless shirts, 400 pieces of long jeans, 200 pieces of short jeans, 150 pieces of long joggers, 250 pieces of short joggers and 50 pieces of palm slippers.
The total value of the goods, according to the charge sheet was N36,450,000, property of Chinonso Chiboy.
The offences are said to be contrary to Sections 411, 307 (a)(b) and (2), 287 and 168(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.
The charge sheet in part reads: “That you, Olawale Popoola ‘M’, and others at large on the 8th day of August 2026, in the night time at No. 62, Olaniyi Street, New Oko-Oba Abule Egba Lagos in Ikeja Magisterial District did conspire within yourselves to commit felony to wit Burglary and Stealing.”
On the stealing count, the prosecution stated that the defendant stole fashion items worth N36.4m contrary to Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.
When the charges were read to him in court, Olawale Popoola pleaded not guilty, thereby setting the stage for trial.
Magistrate Mrs. O. Kusanu, in her ruling on bail application, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N1 million with two responsible sureties.
She ruled that the two sureties must show evidence of means of livelihood and evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government. They must also provide valid identification, proof of residence within the jurisdiction and must be verified by the court.
Pending when he meets the bail conditions, the court ordered that the defendant be remanded in custody at the Correctional Center, Kirikiri Town, Lagos.
The prosecutor asked for an adjournment to enable the Police duplicate the case file and forward it to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions for legal advice, a request the court granted.
Police sources at New Oko-Oba Division said the case was reported by the complainant who came to open his shop in the morning only to discover that burglars had gained entry overnight and emptied the shop. The matter was lodged at the division and IPO, Inspector Emmanuel Ehiwarior and his team swung into action, leading to the arrest of Popoola.
The Police said investigation is still ongoing to arrest other members of the gang and to recover the stolen goods.
It is important to note that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by the court as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution as amended.
The matter has been adjourned for mention.
