Lagos – An employee, Emeka Isicheli, on Friday appeared before an Oshodi Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly stealing his employer’s diesel valued at N1.5 million.

Isicheli, who resides at No. 26, Babatunde Jose St. on Victoria Island, Lagos, is facing a two-count offence of conspiracy and stealing.

The prosecutor, Cpl. Kehinde Olatunde, told the court that the accused with others still at large committed the offences between April 2013 and April 2014 at No. 14, Town Planning Way, Ilupeju, Lagos.

He said the accused and others conspired to steal 9,500 litres of diesel valued at N1.5 million, property of Odonto Ville Clinic.

Olatunde said that the accused, who was in charge of diesel at the clinic, allegedly diverted the commodity and sold it to some unnamed persons.

“The auditor discovered the theft of the diesel during the auditing of the housing department.

“As a result of the audit, it was discovered that 9,500 litres of diesel worth N1.5 million was missing.”

He said the offences contravened Sections 285 and 410 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the accused, if found guilty, may be sent to jail for a minimum of three years.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Magistrate, Mr Akeem Fashola, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case to June 26 for mention. (NAN)