Businessmen Arraigned for Alleged N47.5m Theft

Three businessmen appeared in an Ikeja Chief Magistrate’s Court on Thursday over the alleged theft of 375 bags of sesame seed valued at N47.5 million.

The three men, Ime Essien, 49, Nnamdi Obianuka, 36, and Chidera Stephen, 21, live in Lagos and are being tried for conspiracy and stealing.

The prosecutor, ASP Raji Akeem, told the court that the offences were committed on August 8 at No 9, Wharf Road, Apapa, Lagos.

Akeem said that the complainant, Mr Olubunmi Olumekun, employed the services of the three men in loading and transporting 375 bags of sesame seed weighing 37.5 tonnes, valued at N47.5 million.

The prosecutor added that the men were to deliver the bags of the seed to various destinations in Lagos and Ogun states.

He explained that the three men, however, failed to deliver the goods and all efforts made by the complainant to get back his goods failed.

The prosecutor said the offences contravened sections 287 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

However, the three men pleaded not guilty to the charges and the Chief Magistrate, Mrs Bola Osunsanmi, granted them bail in the sum of N3 million each, with two sureties in like sum.

The magistrate then adjourned the case till October 23 for mention.

NAN