Caretaker faces alleged N3m theft charge

A 30-year-old caretaker, Blessing Patrick, on Thursday appeared before a Surulere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly stealing N3 million rent.

Patrick, who resides at No 2 Boyaro St., off Ramoni, Lawanson, Surulere,  is facing a charge of stealing, to which she pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Insp Courage Ekhueorohan, told the court that the defendant committed the offence in November at Chief Bereola St., Surulere.

Ekhueorohan said  that the defendant stole the N3 million from  rent and maintenance of a property she was asked to care of by the complainant, Mrs Utibe Effiong.

He said that the defendant was meant to deposit the money into the account of the complainant, but converted it to her personal use.

Ekhueorohan said the offence contravened Section 287 (7)  of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the section stipulates seven years imprisonment for stealing from one’s employer.

The Magistrate,  Mrs O. O Otitoju, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Otitoju ordered that the sureties must show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

She adjourned the case until Dec. 29 for mention .