A 20-year-old lotto sales representative,

The accused was, however, released on bail in the sum of N50,000 after he pleaded not guilty.

The Magistrate, Mr M.A. Etti, who gave the ruling, also ordered the accused to produce one surety as part of the bail conditions.

Etti added that the surety must be gainfully employed and also show evidence of two years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

Earlier the prosecutor, Sgt. Olusegun Kokoye, told the court that the accused committed the offence between April 25 and April 28 at Naija Bet Lotto Shop located at No. 59, Alaba Ojo Road, Amukoko, Lagos.

Chjinedu, who resides at Ajegunle area of Apapa, Lagos, was accused of stealing N46,000, being proceeds from lotto sales, property of his boss, Chukwudi Nwachukwu.

“The complainant reported the case to the Police and the accused was traced to his house where he was arrested.”

The offence contravened Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the section prescribes a three-year jail term for offenders.

The case was adjourned until May 30 for mention.