Court remands 2 men accused of stealing N25m in prison

Two men charged with theft of N25 million were on Tuesday remanded in prison by an Abuja Senior Magistrates’ Court sitting in Karu.

The remand order was made by the Senior Magistrate, Mrs Omolola Akindele, to enable the court to study the bail application of the accused.

The accused, Godwin Ajumi and Henry Nwobi, who are Sales Representatives at Mic-Maners Investment Ltd., Utako, Abuja, were alleged to have stolen the money which belonged to the company.

Charged with joint act, criminal conspiracy and theft offences, they were said to have converted the money, which were proceeds from sale of goods, to their personal use.

The accused denied the charges and their counsel, Mr. Anthony Odule, made an oral application for bail to enable them to prepare for defence.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Bulus Samuel, objected to the application on the grounds that investigation in the case was ongoing.

Samuel told the court that the accused were assisting the police in identifying a third suspect in the alleged offence.

He said that the case was reported by Mr. Emmanuel Umeugoji, the Managing Director of the Mic-Maners Ltd after he discovered that the money was not remitted into the company’s account.

He said that during interrogation, the suspects confessed that they gave the money to the fleeing suspect to help them to deposit it in their bank accounts.

The prosecutor told the court that the offence contravened sections 97 (b), 314 and 289 of the Penal Code.

In her ruling, Akindele said, “I have listened to the arguments of the defence and prosecution on whether or not to grant the accused bail.

“I would have asked you to come by way of motion but since I took my time in recording your applications, I will have to take a short date for ruling.”

Consequently, she adjourned the case to today and ordered that the accused should be remanded in prison. (NAN)