A 21-year-old meat seller, Toheeb Tajudeen, who allegedly stole a tricycle worth N850, 000 from a man while he was praying in a mosque, on Friday appeared before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court.
The defendant, who lives at No. 5 Otun Oba St., Itire in Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing but pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Prosecutor, Sgt. Michael Unah, said that the defendant stole the tricycle of one Shogeyinbo Kamorudeen, while he was busy praying in a mosque.
Unah told the court that the defendant committed the offence on Jan. 3, at about 6.30 a.m. at Moshalashi Bus Stop, Itire, a Lagos suburb.
“The complainant parked his tricycle to observe his prayer at a nearby mosque when the complainant suddenly got hold of the said tricycle and stole it.
“The complainant raised an alarm and the defendant was caught with the help of passers-by,’’ he said.
The offence contravenes Section 287 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 287 stipulates a seven-year jail term for stealing, while Section 411 prescribes two years for conspiracy.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr A. A. Fashola, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N100,000 with one responsible surety in like sum.
Fashola said the surety must be gainfully employed, with evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government and have his address verified by the court.
He adjourned the case until Feb. 27, for hearing.