Police Arraign Clearing Agent Over Alleged N1.85m Theft

Police on Wednesday arraigned a 50-year-old clearing agent, Dotun Shonekan, before a Yaba magistrates` court over alleged theft of N1.85million payment for clearing of a vehicle from Apapa port.

The defendant, a resident of Ikotun area of Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and theft.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The police prosecutor, Insp. Patrick Ebri, told the court that the defendant committed the offences at 11.45p.m. on Feb. 10, at No. 9, Crystal estate, Ilupeju area of palm grove, Lagos.

He said that the complainant, Mr Adeshola Adeosun, paid the defendant N1.85million in two tranches to clear a 2017 accidental Toyota Camry from the port.

Ebri said the defendant received the second payment in April but absconded with the entire money, refusing to clear the car from the port.

The offences contravene sections 411 and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015 (Revised).

Section 287 stipulates a three-year jail term for the offence of stealing, while Section 411 provides two years for conspiracy.

The defendant was granted bail in the sum of N250, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

The Magistrate, Mrs  F.O. Sasanya, said that the sureties must be gainfully employed with evidence of three years tax payment to the Lagos State Government and have their addresses verified by the court.

She adjourned the case until Nov. 4, for mention.