Man gets N2m bail for stealing drinks worth N2m

Okitipupa (Ondo State)  - An Okitipupa Magistrates’ Court on Friday granted a N2 million bail to Innocent Edward, 25, accused of stealing assorted drinks worth more than N2 million.

Police prosecutor Zedekiah Orogbemi alleged that the accused committed the offence on Feb. 7 around 4:35 p.m. at 12, Hospital Road, Okitipupa, Ondo State.

“Edward was the manager in charge of the warehouse but removed the items without the knowledge of his boss and failed to remit sales.

“The items include 650 crates of Star lager beer, 39 crates of Gulder lager beer, 24 crates of Maltina, 35 cartons of can Star lager beer and 35 cartons of can Maltina.”

Orogbemi said other items included 51 cartons po Farouz drinks, 22 crates of Heineken lager beer, 46 crates of small stout, 23 crates of ’33′ lager beer and 81 crates of Coca-Cola.

 He listed also 116 crates of Malta Gold, all totalling N2,404,200.

The prosecutor said the offence was contrary to and punishable under section 390(9) of the Criminal Code Cap 37, Volume 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the one-count charge.

Orogbemi asked for an adjournment to enable him to assemble his three witnesses in court and study the case file.

Counsel to the accused, Mr Omotayo Ogungbemi, and Mr Victor Adetula, who did not oppose the adjournment request, applied for Edward’s bail in liberal terms.

They promised to produce credible surety and bring the accused before the court anytime his attention was required.

Magistrate Dele Awodeyi granted bail to the accused in the sum of N2 million and one surety in like sum while the surety must possess three years tax clearance.

He adjourned the case till March 18 for further hearing. (NAN)

-- Vanguard