Sales rep arraigned for alleged N8.5m theft

A sales representative, Vincent Ukoh, on Thursday appeared before a Surulere Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos State, for allegedly stealing his employer’s N8.5 million.

Ukoh, 32, whose residential address was not provided, however, pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge of fraud and stealing.

The prosecutor, Insp Anthonia Osayande, told the court that the defendant committed the offences from January 2020 to September 2022 at No. 1a, African Church Close, Off Coker Road, Ilupeju, Lagos State.

Osayande alleged that Ukoh stole proceeds of sales for his employer, Davinks Healthcare Nig. Ltd.

She said that Ukoh diverted to his personal use, money he realised from selling Daravit drinks, Vista soap, Neoskin cream, Vista Plus cream, Acneaway cream and Neoskin soap for his employer.

The prosecutor submitted that the theft was discovered during an audit of the company’s accounts.

She said that the offences contravened Sections 287 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Adewale Ojo, granted Ukoh bail in the sum of one million Naira with two sureties in like sum.

Ojo ruled that the sureties must be blood relations of the defendant and show evidence of three years’ tax payment to Lagos State Government.

He adjourned the case until Nov. 4 for trial.