Two hotel security guards — Benjamine Dauda and Wilfred Ejue — who allegedly stole 3, 220 litres of diesel valued at N500, 000 from their employer, were on Friday docked at an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.
The duo — Dauda, 39, and Ejue, 34 — are standing trial on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.
The prosecutor, Cpl. Kokoye Olusegun, told the court that the accused committed the offences on May 8 at Marco’polo Hotel and Suites at No. 4, Ayeni Crescent, Chevy View Estate, Lekki, Lagos.
He said the accused conspired and stole 3, 220 litres of diesel belonging to their employer, Mr Friday Akpechi, the Manager of the hotel.
The offences, Olusegun noted, contravened Section 285 (7) and 410 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
Both pleaded not guilty.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 285 (7) provides seven years imprisonment for stealing employer’s property, while Section 410 prescribes a two-year jail term for conspiracy.
Counsel to the accused, Mr Emmanuel Banney, urged the court to admit the accused to a bail on liberal terms.
In her ruling, the Magistrate, Mrs O. A. Olagbende, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50, 000 each with one surety each in like sum.
She said the surety must be gainfully employed and also show evidence of tax payment.
She adjourned the case to June 16 for mention. (NAN)