A telecom operator, Samson Ukpolo, was docked before an Ebute-Metta chief magistrate’s court on Monday, Sepember 8, 2014 for allegedly stealing N40 million from Mr. Albert Uduma.
Ukpolo, who lives at Plot 3685, Lakeview Estate, Amuwo-Odofin in Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.
While speaking to the court, the prosecutor, inspector Richard Odigie said Ukpolo had commited the said crime between January and August 2013 while working with Global Investment and Communication Limited, situated at 5, Charity Road, Oko-Oba, Ifako-Ijaye, Agege, Lagos.
He said the defendant had planned with other staffs of the company to steal the said sum belonging to Mr. Uduma, who is the owner of the company.
Odigie 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, pleaded with the court to grant the defendant bail in the most liberal term adding that the defendant could not be responsible for the offence of other employees.
However, the Magistrate E. B. Daodu granted the defendant 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.
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 further decided that the defendant be kept in prison pending the perfection of his bail term.
The case was adjourned till October 22, 2014
