Employees of Onward Paper Mill charged with theft of exercise books

May 24, 2017 10:43 PM

Emmanuel said that the accused conspired and stole the books, hid them inside a truck that delivered equipment for the company.

Onward Paper Mills exercise books (Illustration)

Two employees of Onward Paper Mill Plc,

Mukaila, 28, and Luqman, 42, whose addresses were not provided, are facing a two-count charge of stealing and conspiracy.

They, however, pleaded not guilty.

According to the prosecutor, Sgt. Emmanuel Ajayi, the accused committed the offences on May 16 at the company’s premises on Obagun Street, Mushin, Lagos.

The prosecutor said that the accused stole five higher notebooks, 36 pieces of 40 leaves exercise book, 24 pieces of 20 leaves exercise book and18 pieces of drawing book, all valued at N8,000.

“A guard, who alerted the manager about what they did, searched the truck and discovered the books,’’ he submitted.

He said that the offences contravened Section 285 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 285 prescribes a three-year jail term for stealing, while Section 411 stipulates two years imprisonment for conspiracy.

The Magistrate, Mrs E.A. Azeez, admitted each of the employees to bail in the sum of N10, 000 with one surety in like sum.

Azeez adjourned the case until June 22 for mention.