Unemployed men docked for allegedly stealing N1.2m engines

Three unemployed men, Isiaka Ajadi, Usman Abubakar and Dairu Salisu, on Friday appeared before an Ejigbo Magistrates' Court, Lagos, for allegedly stealing two air conditioner engines worth N1.2 million. Ajadi, 35, Abubakar, 25, and Salisu, 25, whose addresses were not provided, are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing. They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge,

The prosecutor, Insp N. A. Simon, told the court that the defendants committed the offences with some others still at large, on Oct. 30, at Akesan Igando in Lagos State. Simon said that the defendants stole the engines from two industrial air conditioners belonging to Mr Clement Ataboh. He said that the defendants were caught by security guards and were handed over to the police.

Simon said that the offences contravened Sections 287 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. Supreme reports that Section 287 stipulates three years' jail term for stealing, while Section 411 provides for two years' imprisonment for conspiracy. The Magistrate, Mrs A. S. Okubule, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N300, 000 each with two sureties each in like sum. Okubule ordered that the sureties must be gainfully employed and have evidence of tax payment to Lagos State Government. She adjourned the case until Dec. 6 for mention.