Sales Assistant arraigned over alleged theft

A 30-year-old sales assistant, Nnamdi Chima, on Monday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, for allegedly stealing N80,125 belonging to Sparklette Bottling Company. Chima, who resides at No. 7, Durosinmi St., Idiagbon, Lagos, is standing trial before Magistrate I.A. Abina on a two-count charge of stealing and breach of peace, to which he pleaded not guilty.

The Prosecutor, Sgt. Ishola Samuel, alleged that the defendant committed the offences between 2017 and April 2018 at No. 25, Adekoya St., Ifako-Ijaye, Lagos. Samuel said that Chima delivered some goods to customers but failed to remit the proceeds into the company’s account.

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“Chima collected some goods to supply to customers but converted the money to his personal use.“

“He also used the company’s tricycle to damage one Toyota Highlander Jeep which caused the company expenses worth N200, 000.00,” Samuel said.

The prosecutor said that when reconciliation was conducted, it was discovered that N80, 125 worth of goods sold could not be accounted for. “When he was questioned, the defendant confessed to have converted the money to his own use.

The defendant was arrested by the police. The offence contravened Sections 287 and 168 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 287 prescribes three years imprisonment for stealing. Mrs Abina admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

The Magistrate also ordered that the sureties should be gainfully employed and show evidence of two years tax payments to the Lagos State Government. She adjourned the case until May 31, for mention.