Car-hire operator ‘stole’ N6m SUV

A car-hire operator, Samuel Tom, who allegedly stole a car, worth N6 million, was yesterday brought to an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.
Tom, 51, of 83, Alhaji Abass Street, Ogudu, Lagos, was arraigned before Mr B. A. Sonuga on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

Prosecuting Sergeant Friday Mameh told the court that the defendant committed the alleged offence at about 2:45 pm on September 11, at 26, Olubunmi Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

He said Tom and his accomplices still at large stole a N6 million Cherokee Jeep, marked AAA 04 ET, belonging to Mr Abimbola Jelili.
Mameh said they carried out the alleged theft by pretending to buy the car.
The offence, he added, contravene Sections 287 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Tom pleaded not guilty.
The defendant’s counsel, Mrs Ngozi Ibe, urged the court to grant him bail on liberal terms.
In a bench ruling, Magistrate Sonuga upheld her application.
He granted Tom N500,000 bail with two sureties, who must be employed and show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State government.
The case continues on October 5.