A 34-year-old barman, Stephen Ofem, on Wednesday pleaded guilty to a charge of stealing his employer’s four tablet phones valued at N447, 000.00.
Ofem, of No. 34, Ikate Street, Lekki Phase 11, Lagos, was arraigned by the Victoria Island Police Division, before Mr. Martins Owumi of an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos on a one count charge of stealing.
Prosecuting Inspector Ingobo Emby told the court that the defendant committed the offence on November 15, 2016 at 411 Restaurant and Bar, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Emby said the phones belonged to Ofem’s employer, adding that the offence contravened Section 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
Ofem pleaded guilty to the charge, but explained that he took the items to offset the salary owed him by his employer.
“I worked for the restaurant for a little while but they did not pay me, so I decided to take those items.
“I sold the tablets to offset the accrued salary,” Ofem said.
Magistrate Owunmi adjourned the case till February 22 for review of the facts and sentencing.