A Chief Magistrate Court in Yaba, Lagos, has remanded two men, Lawrence Ogbechie (60) and Arinze Umeh Chinonso (43), at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre for allegedly stealing three Lexus cars valued at N37.5 million.
Magistrate Mrs. E.Kubeinje ordered the remand of the two defendants following their arraignment on a five-count charge of conspiracy and felony, specifically theft.
According to Charge No. A/09/2025 filed by the police legal unit from Zone 2 Police Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos, the two men were accused of conspiring to commit theft on January 27, 2024, at Ijesa Market, Lagos.
The offense, punishable under Section 411 of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State 2015, involved stealing three Lexus ES 350 cars (2008 model), valued at N37.5 million, belonging to Nnochiri Sunday.
On the day of the incident, Ogbechie and Chinonso allegedly stole the cars from the designated location, with a total value of N37.5 million. The theft contravenes Section 280 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.
During the trial on Monday, Prosecutor Rita Momah (DSP) informed the court that a five-count charge was pending and requested the defendants’ pleas.
The charge was read, and the defendants pleaded not guilty.
After their pleas, the prosecution requested a trial date and sought the defendants’ remand in custody. In response, the defense counsel submitted a bail application for the defendants, which the court considered.
Magistrate Kubeinje ruled that the two defendants be granted bail, each in the sum of N5 million, with two sureties in like sum. One surety must be a civil servant of at least Grade Level 14 in Lagos State or the Federal Government.
The second surety must be a property owner within Lagos State. Both sureties must provide three years’ Tax Clearance Certificates and two passport photographs, which the court Registrar will verify.
The case was adjourned until March 24, 2025.
The charges against the defendants include: “Conspiracy to Commit Theft: On January 27, 2024, Ogbechie and Chinonso allegedly conspired to commit theft, contrary to Section 411 of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State 2015.
“Theft of Three Lexus Cars: On the same date and location, they are accused of stealing three Lexus ES 350 cars, valued at N37.5 million, the property of Nnochiri Sunday, violating Section 280 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.
“Theft of Cars Entrusted for Clearing: They allegedly stole the three Lexus cars entrusted to them for clearing by Nnochiri Sunday, violating Section 247(9b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.
“Theft During Offloading: Ogbechie and Chinonso allegedly stole the cars, valued at N37.5 million, during offloading from a container bringing the cars from overseas, in contravention of Section 287(5b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.
“Theft of Property: They allegedly stole the cars, valued at N37.5 million, the property of Sunday Nnochiri, violating Section 287(10) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.”
