Alaba trader, Chidiebere Udeze, at Ejigbo court on Monday

Cyricus Izuekwe

A 23-year old Alaba International market trader has been arrested and charged before an Ejigbo Magistrate court for diverting bicycle worth over N2.2m in Lagos State, Western Nigeria.

He is facing a charge of stealing before the presiding Magistrate, Mr A.A. Fashola under the criminal code.

The suspect, Chidiebere Udeze, allegedly presented one Salisu Dan-Fulani to the victim, Wisi Awoloto who imported some bicycles worth the amount.

Udeze pleaded with Awoloto to release the bicycles to Dan-Fulani on his behalf on credict and promised to pay him on a later date.

The transaction took place at Jenon plaza at Alaba International market where Udeze and his accomplice, Dan-Fulani, met Awoloto.

The items were released to Udeze and they pretended to be taking them to the northern part of the country since last year to sell. They did not return the bikes or pay the money to the victim.

The matter was reported to the police who trailed Udeze and arrested him in Idimu area of Lagos. At the Area M command, Udeze informed the police that he did not see Dan-fulani again after he carried the items and went to the north to sell.

He was charged to court where he pleaded not guilty. Udeze was granted bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum. He was remanded in prison custody pending when he will perfect his bail.

The matter was adjourned till 8 Febuary 2016.