Charged before Magistrate Patrick Nwaka at the Chief Magistrate Court in Yaba, a 32-year-old bus driver named Olusola Olaniyi faced accusations of stealing 80 pieces of solar panel structures valued at N25m.
Olaniyi was arraigned on two counts of conspiracy to steal and theft.
According to the charges, the defendant allegedly stole the solar panel structures on May 17, 2024, in collusion with others, with the items belonging to Ololade Olawuyi.
Reportedly, Olawuyi had hired Olaniyi at Kara Park to transport and oversee the shipment of two buses carrying solar panels to Cross River State. However, one of the buses failed to reach its destination.
The missing bus contained solar panel structures worth N25m, prompting Olawuyi to involve the police. Subsequent investigations revealed that a week after the buses left Lagos State, Olaniyi received a call from an unidentified person claiming that the goods were offloaded in Onitsha, Anambra State. Despite a trip to Anambra, the goods were not found by the complainant.
Following the chairman of the park’s involvement, the police traced Olaniyi to Kastina State, where he was apprehended.
Prosecutor Thomas Nurudeen told the court that the alleged acts contravened Sections 410 and 287 (5) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015, occurring on May 17, 2024.
The prosecution relied on statements from the complainant and investigating officer as evidence of the crimes committed.
Olaniyi pleaded not guilty to the charges leveled against him.
Magistrate Nwaka set bail at N4m and required four sureties from Lagos State as a condition for Olaniyi’s release.
Until the bail conditions are met, he will remain in Ikoyi Correctional Centre.
The case has been adjourned to September 9, 2024.