Three men — Chidiebere Eugene, Promise Okechukwu, and Ugochukwu Maduabuchi — were on Monday arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing 500 fuel pumps valued at N9.3 million.
The defendants, Eugene (22), Okechukwu (30), and Maduabuchi (22), whose residential addresses were not disclosed, are facing a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing, and receiving stolen property.
All three pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecutor, SP Josephine Ikhayere, told the court that the offences were committed between 2024 and February 2025 at Ladipo Market in the Mushin area of Lagos.
According to Ikhayere, the first defendant, Eugene, allegedly stole the 500 fuel pumps belonging to Mr. Charles Eze.
“He sold the fuel pumps below cost price to the other two defendants and converted the proceeds to his personal use.
“Okechukwu and Maduabuchi received the 500 stolen fuel pumps from Eugene, knowing they were stolen,” she said.
Ikhayere noted that the offences contravened Sections 287, 328, and 411 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
Magistrate Lateef Owolabi granted the defendants bail in the sum of N650,000 each, with two sureties in like sum.
He added that the sureties must be gainfully employed and present evidence of tax payments to the Lagos State Government.
The case was adjourned to August 15 for hearing.
