Driver docked for bolting with passenger’s luggage

A 31-year-old driver, Adedeji Akintoye, on Friday appeared before an Abeokuta Magistrates' Court for allegedly stealing a passenger’s bag containing valuables worth N132,000.

Akintoye, whose address was not provided, is facing a charge of stealing.

The prosecutor, Inspector Augustine Ozimini told the court that the offence was committed on September 2 at 9.00a.m. at NNPC Mega Filling Station Junction in Abeokuta.

He said the accused, a commercial driver, stole a bag containing a laptop valued N65,000, MTN modem, a flash and the sum of N57,000, all valued at N132,000, property of Mr Olusola Shonubi.

Ozimini said the complainant, Shonubi, who was going to Lagos, boarded Akintoye’s taxi but forgot his bag containing the items when he disembarked.

"He promised to bring them the next day and gave the complainants his phone number … that was the last that was seen of the accused.

"Akintoye absconded with the items but was sighted on Tuesday by Shonubi, who raised an alarm which led to the arrest of the accused.

"He, however, confessed to have sold the laptop for N15, 000," the prosecutor said.

Ozimini said the offences contravened Sections 383 (1) and 390 (9) of the Criminal Law of Ogun State, 2006.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the accused, who was not represented by a lawyer, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The magistrate, Mr Babajide Ilo, granted the accused bail in the sum of N300, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

The case was adjourned to November 2.