A 25-year-old man, Yusuf Adeshina, who allegedly break-in into an apartment and stole valuables worth N354,000 on Tuesday appeared before a Tinubu Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

Adeshina, a resident of No. 43, Tokunbo St., Lagos Island was arraigned on a three-count charge of break-in, illegal entry and theft.

The defendant, however, denied the charges.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Hafsat Ajibode, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on Feb. 13 at about 11:00 a.m., at No. 2 Dabara St., Lagos Island.

Ajibode said that the defendant broke into the house of the complainant, one Mrs Shakirat Liadi, and stole jewellery worth N200,000, a phone worth N4, 000 and N150, 000 cash, all valued at N 354,000.

She said that the defendant illegally entered into the building and broke into the apartment when the complainant had gone out.

“A neighbour who was at home and heard noises emanating from the complainant’s apartment came out and saw the defendant rushing down the stairs with one of Liadi’s bags.

“The neighbour accosted Adeshina and called the complainant on her phone to ask her if she sent someone to her apartment to pick up something for her.

“The neighbour informed the complainant about an intruder in her apartment.

“The complainant rushed home and saw some of her belongings with the defendant.

“The defendant was apprehended and handed over to the police,’’ she said.

According to the prosecutor, the offences contravene Sections 287 and 307 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 287 stipulates three years’ imprisonment for theft and seven years’ imprisonment for break-in and illegal entry.

The chief magistrate, Mr Tajudeen Elias, granted the defendant N100, 000 bail with two sureties in like sum.

The case was adjourned until May 4 for mention.