Carpenter, bricklayer docked over alleged theft of building materials worth N1.7m

iyebiye olawuyi

April 21, 2017 2:59 PM

The prosecutor told the court that the accused had between November 2015 and Feb.3, 2017 conspired to steal.

Court gavel

A carpenter, James Ayowande, and a bricklayer, Idowu Ishola, who allegedly stole building materials valued at N1.7million were on Friday brought to a Tinubu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

Ayowande, 59, and Idowu, 31, are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and theft.

The duo, however, denied the charges.

The prosecutor, ASP Richard Odigie, told the court that the accused had between November 2015 and Feb.3, 2017 at Lagasa in lbeju Lekki area of Lagos State conspired to steal.

He said that the duo stole 262 bags of cement; 2,200 decking woods, roofing planks and iron rods.

Odigie added that the accused also stole two bags of nails and 2,000 cement blocks, all valued at N1.7 million belonging to Mr Clement Kagwachie, their employer.

Odigie said that the offences contravened Sections 285 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (as amended).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 285(1) states that, “Any person who steals any property is guilty of a felony, and liable, if no other punishment is provided, to imprisonment for there (3) years.’’

The magistrate, Mrs F. O. Ikeobayo, granted the two accused N500,000 bail with two sureties each.

The magistrate adjourned the case until April 28 for mention.

iyebiye olawuyi