Telecom operator docked for N40m theft

A telecom operator, Samson Ukpolo, was yesterday arraigned before an Ebute-Metta chief magistrate’s court for allegedly stealing N40 million.

The defendant, who resides at Plot 3685, Lakeview Estate, 2nd Rainbow, Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

The prosecutor, Inspector Richard Odigie, told the court that the telecoms operator, who worked with Global Investment and Communication Limited, situated at 5, Charity Road, Oko-Oba, Ifako-Ijaye, Agege, Lagos, and others now at large, committed the alleged offence between January and August 2013.

He said they conspired to steal the said sum belonging to one Mr. Albert Uduma, who is the owner of the company.

The prosecutor said the offence was punishable under Sections 409 and 285 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.

The defendant’s counsel, Ola Ogunbiyi, urged the court to grant the defendant bail in the most liberal term.

Ogunbiyi further informed the court that the defendant could not be responsible for the offence of other employees.

In her short ruling on the bail application, Magistrate E. B. Daodu admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N1 million with two responsible sureties in like sum.

Daodu also ordered that one of the sureties must have a landed property within Lagos State, while the second surety must be a Grade Level 15 officer in Lagos State or federal ministry.

She further ordered that the two sureties must deposit N200,000 each to the designated account of the court’s Chief Registrar, and show the court evidence of three years tax payment to Lagos State government.

The magistrate, however, ordered that the defendant be remanded in prison custody pending the perfection of his bail condition and adjourned the matter till October 22.