Charged with three counts of conspiracy to steal and theft, a 33-year-old marketer named Adewale Odegbesan appeared before Magistrate O.Y. Adefope at the Chief Magistrate Court in Yaba, Lagos. The charges claim that between June 2023 and February 2024, at the Betty Distribution Company’s Drop Point in Ajangbadi, Lagos, the defendant conspired to steal products valued at N4,431,300.
According to PUNCH Metro, the company’s Human Resource Manager reported that Odegbesan, who was employed as a marketer, colluded with the store attendant, Sheriff Aminat, to steal products from the company.
The alleged theft came to light on February 6, 2024, during an audit, revealing that products worth N4,431,300 were missing, and the corresponding funds were not deposited into the company’s account. It was uncovered that Odegbesan acquired goods from the company’s Okokomaiko branch without authorization from the branch manager and failed to deliver them to customers.
Subsequent to his arrest and initial questioning, further investigations were conducted by the police due to insufficient evidence linking him to the crimes. After additional probing, evidence supporting the alleged offenses was discovered, leading to Odegbesan’s confession. He pledged to repay the misappropriated funds but failed to do so.
Prosecutor Haruna Magaji detailed that the purported crimes, which occurred between June 2023 and February 2024, violated Sections 411, 314, and 287 (a) (b) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015.
Magaji also pointed out that statements from the complainant and the investigating officer substantiated the accusations against Odegbesan.
In response, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him.
Judge Nwaka directed a bail of N4m and mandated four Lagos State residents as sureties for the accused. Additionally, Nwaka ordered Odegbesan to be remanded at the Ikoyi correctional facility until he fulfills the bail requirements. The next court date is set for September 9, 2024.