A 48-year-old man, Shaibu Yahaya, was on Monday arraigned by the police before an Igbosere Chief Magistrates’ court, Lagos, for allegedly receiving stolen jewellery worth N57 million. He was arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy and theft.
The accused was alleged to have conspired with five others, to steal the jewellery belonging to one Mrs Rositta Osoba on July 3 at No. 123, Co-operation Drive, Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi.
According to the prosecutor, Sgt. Emby Ingobu, the accomplices are Bitrus Ayuba, Madu Thigwar, Abdul Azeez, Wadar Nkeki and Musa Ahmadu, all male.
Ingobu said that the stolen jewellery included gold chains, earrings, pendants, bracelets, necklaces and rings.
“The defendant, while receiving the stolen property, knew that the jewellery was stolen or unlawfully obtained,’’ the prosecutor said.
He said that the accused, a resident of Ajah, claimed to be a trader in gold jewellery.
The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 326 and 409 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Chief Magistrate, O.J. Awope, granted him bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
He adjourned the case to Jan. 8, 2013, for mention.