5 men arraigned over allegd theft of stockfish worth N11.5m

Five men who allegedly stole stockfish heads valued at N11.5 million were on Monday brought before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court.

The accused are : Emeka Chukwu, 41; Chidi Ekah, 41; Edwin Onyebuchi, 39; Ndubisi Obiora, 37; and Abuchi Nwani, 35.

The accused are facing a two-count charge bordering on stealing and conspiracy.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Daniel Ighodalo, told the court that the suspects committed the offences on Jan. 27, 2015 at Iddo Motor Park in Ebute Meta.

Ighodalo alleged that the accused persons connived and stole sacks containing stockfish heads valued at N11.5 million property of one Ejim Okwudiri.

He said that the offences contravened Sections 285 (a) and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 285 prescribes a seven-year-jail term while 409 stipulates a two-year-jail term.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs O. I. Adelaja, granted the accused bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two responsible sureties in like sum.

She, however, adjourned and fixed Feb. 29 for mention.