In an ongoing legal battle, three individuals were brought before the Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, accused of masterminding the theft of event planning equipment valued at a staggering N47.6 million. The defendants, Bassey Ekam (26), Peter Chibueze (23), and Sunday Bamisile (23), are facing charges of conspiracy and theft related to the alleged incident.
According to the Prosecution Counsel, ASP Raji Akeem, the defendants are accused of committing the crime sometime between July and August 16, at a property located at Plot 25, 21 Road, Gowon Estate, Lagos.
The victim, Mrs. Adenike Olatunji, who is the complainant in the case, reportedly noticed the disappearance of several vital pieces of event planning equipment from a warehouse where she stored her valuable inventory. Among the items reported missing were marquee legs, sub-beams, Paulines, base plates, air conditioners with compressors, and additional marquee legs, collectively valued at N47.6 million.
The charges brought against the trio fall under the purview of sections 287 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. These sections deal with theft and conspiracy offenses, respectively.
During the court proceedings, the defendants vehemently denied any involvement in the alleged theft, entering pleas of not guilty.
Chief Magistrate Mrs. Bola Osunsanmi presided over the case and granted each of the defendants bail in the amount of N2 million. Additionally, the court required two sureties for each defendant to provide the same sum as collateral for their bail.
The case has been adjourned until October 23 for further proceedings.
This incident underscores the significance of security measures in protecting valuable assets and serves as a reminder of the legal consequences that individuals may face when accused of theft. As the legal process unfolds, more details about the case are expected to emerge.