Telecom operator apprehended for N40m theft

A telecom operator, Samson Ukpolo,
was yesterday arraigned before an Ebute-
Metta chief magistrate’s court for allegedly
stealing N40 million.
The defendant, who resides at Plot 3685,
Lakeview Estate, 2nd Rainbow, Amuwo-Odofin,
Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of
conspiracy and stealing.
The prosecutor, Inspector Richard Odigie, told
the court that the telecoms operator, who
worked with Global Investment and
Communication Limited, situated at 5, Charity
Road, Oko-Oba, Ifako-Ijaye, Agege, Lagos, and
others now at large, committed the alleged
offence between January and August 2013.
He said they conspired to steal the said sum
belonging to one Mr. Albert Uduma, who is the
owner of the company.
The prosecutor said the offence was
punishable under Sections 409 and 285 of the
Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.
The defendant’s counsel, Ola Ogunbiyi, urged
the court to grant the defendant bail in the
most liberal term.
Ogunbiyi further informed the court that the
defendant could not be responsible for the
offence of other employees.
In her short ruling on the bail application,
Magistrate E. B. Daodu admitted the
defendant to bail in the sum of N1 million
with two responsible sureties in like sum.
Daodu also ordered that one of the sureties
must have a landed property within Lagos
State, while the second surety must be a
Grade Level 15 officer in Lagos State or federal
ministry.
She further ordered that the two sureties must
deposit N200,000 each to the designated
account of the court’s Chief Registrar, and
show the court evidence of three years tax
payment to Lagos State government.
The magistrate, however, ordered that the
defendant be remanded in prison custody
pending the perfection of his bail condition
and adjourned the matter till October 22.

source:Vanguard.