AN excavator operator, Samuel Okon, was yesterday arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court for allegedly absconding with a Swamp Buggy machine valued at N126,800,000.
Okon, 36, was arraigned by the Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB), Force Headquarters, Obalende, Lagos, before Magistrate Y. O. Aro-Lambo on a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and obstruction of policemen on duty.
Prosecuting Sergeant Friday Mameh said Okon committed the offence on December 31, 2016 at May Fair Garden in Ibeju Lekki Local Government of the state.
He said Okon was hired by Black Apple Ltd, Lekki, to carry out excavation at Lekki with the Swamp Buggy.
Okon, he claimed, did not return the Swamp Buggy to Black Apple after completing the job, but secretly began work with another contractor, with the equipment.
The company, the prosecutor said, tried to reach Okon on the phone, but his lines were switched off. He never returned to the office.
Mameh said: “The company reported the matter to the police, which, sometime last year, tracked Okon to his home in Ajah and arrested him.
“Last June 28, the FIB granted Okon administrative bail pending conclusion of investigation, after he brought his flatmate, Opara Mark, as his surety and fulfilled other conditions.”
Okon allegedly absconded afterwards.
The police, last July 18, charged Mark before Magistrate Aro-Lambo on two counts of aiding Okon’s escape and obstructing justice.
Opara pleaded not guilty and was granted bail.
Mameh said during Opara’s trial, Okon’s phone became active and the FIB tracked his line, found his hideout, arrested and arraigned him.
Opara was subsequently freed.
Okon pleaded not guilty.
His counsel, Mrs. Helen Ibeji, applied for his bail in the most liberal terms.
“The defendant has no previous criminal record and has credible sureties willing to stand for him,” Ibeji added.
Magistrate Aro-Lambo granted him N2million bail with two sureties in the like sum.
The sureties must be owners of landed property in Lagos and have a credible source of income, among other conditions.
Aro-Lambo adjourned till April 3.
Leave a Reply