The Lagos State Police have arraigned two men, Dennis Legal, 33, and Hashimu Kabiru, 35, in an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court on charges of stealing gold jewelry and cash valued at N25.08 million.
Dennis Legal, a laundry man, and Hashimu Kabiru, a trader, both residents of Lagos, faced a three-count charge of conspiracy, theft, and receiving stolen goods. Both defendants pleaded not guilty.
According to Prosecutor Inspector Samuel Mishozunnu, the alleged offenses occurred on May 2 at 37, Moriola Opeyemi Street, Fagbileye Estate, Isheri, Lagos. Mishozunnu explained that Legal had secured a housekeeper for the complainant, Mrs. Opeyemi Oluwatosin, earlier in the year. While Mrs. Oluwatosin was away, the housekeeper allegedly broke into her room, stealing jewelry valued at N25 million and N80,000 in cash.
When contacted, Legal initially ignored the complaint but later returned some of the stolen jewelry to Mrs. Oluwatosin. Following Legal’s arrest, he led the police to Kabiru, who was identified as one of the buyers of the stolen jewelry.
The charges against the defendants are in violation of Sections 287, 328, and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Magistrate Mrs. F.D. Hughes granted bail to the defendants, setting it at N5 million each with two sureties in like sum. The case was adjourned until July 31 for mention.
