Lagos manager charged for allegedly stealing ₦100m auto spare parts

Lagos manager charged for allegedly stealing ₦100m auto spare parts

Operatives of the Zone 2 Command in Lagos have arrested Paul Ilechukwu Okeke, a 48-year-old sales manager, for allegedly misappropriating spare parts worth ₦100 million belonging to his employer, Anthony Ohinweuba.

Okeke, who managed a shop at the Trade Fair Complex along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, is accused of selling the spare parts and diverting the proceeds instead of depositing them into his employer’s account.

The alleged fraud came to light during a stock audit conducted by the complainant, prompting a petition to the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 2 Command, Adegoke Fayoade. Acting on the petition, officers swiftly apprehended the suspect.

Following an investigation led by Adam Abubakar and his team, Okeke was arraigned before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court sitting at Tinubu Magistrate’s Court on Lagos Island.

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Okeke faces a four-count charge, including stealing, conduct likely to breach public peace, and issuing threats.

According to the prosecutor, ASP Francis Igbinosa, the offences were committed between 2022 and 2024 at Block D4, Shop 14, Trade Fair Complex. Igbinosa alleged that Okeke threatened to kill his employer if questioned further about the missing funds.

The charges, which contravene Sections 411, 287, 168, and 52 of the Lagos State Criminal Law 2015, carry severe penalties.

Okeke pleaded not guilty and was granted bail by Magistrate A.O. Alogba in the sum of ₦500,000, with two sureties of the same amount.

The court adjourned the case to 16 January 2024 for mention and ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Facility until bail conditions are met.

 

Lagos manager charged for allegedly stealing ₦100m auto spare parts