Security guard docked over alleged N1m diesel theft

A security guard, Remigious Ochumba, who allegedly stole diesel valued at N1 million, was on Monday brought before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.

The 25-year-old is standing trial before the Magistrate, Mrs B.O. Osunsanmi, on a charge of stealing. Ochumba, who resides at Abule-Egba, a Lagos suburb, pleaded not guilty to the charge and was admitted to a bail of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Osunsanmi said the sureties should be gainfully employed with an evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

Earlier, the Police Prosecutor, ASP Ezekiel Ayorinde, told the court that the accused committed the offence on April 30 at Oko-Oba, Agege, Lagos.

He alleged that the accused stole 5,000 litres of diesel valued at N1 million property of Jonytech Aluminum System Company.

According to him, the accused was in the habit of stealing the company’s diesel at the close of work.

The accused was, however, caught by a neighbour with the stolen diesel on the street at 5.00 a.m. and reported the theft to the company which led to his arrest, Ayorinde said.

The offence contravened Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised). The magistrate adjourned the case until June 25.

It has become essential for employers to thoroughly verify the background of prospective employees before hiring them into their homes or businesses. Our society is filled with impostors posing as cleaners, drivers, shop assistants, security guards, etc.