A 27-year-old man, Chukwudi Chinweze, on Thursday of appeared before a Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for alleged theft of N1.2million from his neighbour’s bank account.
Chinweze, who resides in Surulere area of Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing, to which he pleaded not guilty.
The Prosecutor, Sgt. Modupe Olaluwoye, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on March 7, at No. 13, Aiyepeju St., Surulere, Lagos.
Olaluwoye said that the defendant, who had lived on the same street with the complainant, Miss Dolapo Williams, for over three years, stole her bank details from her apartment.
She alleged that the defendant had assisted Williams to carry her fridge into her apartment, and used the opportunity to steal her bank details and ATM card.
“My Lord, the defendant had asked to use her phone to make a call, claiming he had run out of airtime.
“The complainant gave him the phone and left him in her living room,” Olaluwoye said.
She said that during investigation, the complainant’s bank had confirmed a string of transfers which added up to N1.2 million.
According to the prosecutor, the offences contravene Sections 411 and 287 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.
Section 411 stipulates two years imprisonment for conspiracy while section 287 prescribes three years jail term for offenders.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Oluwatoyin Oghere, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N1million with two sureties in like sum.
Oghere said that the sureties should be gainfully employed and show evidence of three years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
She adjourned the case until June 26, for mention.