2 car wash attendants in court over alleged theft of customer’s wristwatch

For allegedly stealing a wristwatch worth N80,000 from a customer, Tunji Makinde, two car wash attendants, were on Friday charged before an Apapa Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

The accused — Afeez Olaiya and Rasheed Adetola, both aged 23, who entered a not-guilty plea, are residents of Ajegunle area of Apapa, Lagos and are facing a two- count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

According to the prosecutor, Sgt. Olusegun Kokoye, the accused committed the offences on Jan. 19 at City of Hope Car Wash situated at No.72, Bale Aiyetoro St., Ajegunle, Apapa.

The prosecutor told the court that the duo stole a wristwatch valued at N80, 000 from Makinde’s car, while they were washing it.

“The complainant alleged that he took his car to the car wash and left it with them for about 30 minutes.

“Makinde said that by the time he got back to the car wash, the accused persons had finished washing his car, so he decided to inspect the car to see if they washed it well."

“The complainant said that when he checked inside the car, he noticed that his wristwatch was no longer there."

“Makinde alleged that when he confronted the car wash attendants about the missing wristwatch, they denied taking it."

“The complainant reported the case to the police and the duo were arrested for further questioning, ” Kokoye stated.

The prosecutor noted that the offences contravened Section 285 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 285 prescribes a three-year jail term for stealing, while Section 409 stipulates two years imprisonment for conspiracy, if found guilty.

The Magistrate, Mr M.A. Etti, admitted the accused persons to bail in the sum of N50, 000 each, with one surety each in like sum.

Etti said that the sureties must be gainfully employed and also show evidence of three years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

The Magistrate adjourned the case till March 6, for mention.