Four men, on Wednesday, appeared before an Ikeja Magistrate Court in Lagos over alleged theft.
The defendants – Aliu Shekoni, 45; Aliu Ayoade, 47; Lukman Adekunle, 38 and Fakayo John, 30 – are being tried for conspiracy and stealing.
The Prosecutor, Ezekiel Ayorinde told the court that the defendants stole 414 litres of diesel, which value was yet to be ascertained, property of IHS Communication.
Ayorinde said the defendants committed the offenses on Aug. 20 at Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Lagos, adding that the offenses contravene sections 287 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
According to reports, section 287 prescribes three years’ jail term for stealing while section 411 attracts two years for conspiracy.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Magistrate, O.A Olayinka, released them on bail of N100,000 each with two sureties each in like sum, saying that the sureties should be gainfully employed and show evidences of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
She fixed further hearing in the case for November 17 for mention.