Salesman faces N1m table water theft charge

A 40-year-old salesman, who allegedly obtained packs of table water worth N1 million from his company’s distributors under false pretences, on Wednesday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.

The accused, Adebola Olayemi, who pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge of stealing and obtaining by false pretences, resides at Plot 1, Badejo Close, off Akute Road, Ajuwon, a Lagos suburb.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Mike Unah told the court that the accused committed the offences at Plot 32, Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Ikeja, sometime between February and March.

He said the accused, who is an appointed marketer of Ikogosi Warm Springs Nigeria Ltd, obtained packs of table water valued at N1 million from the company’s distributors on the pretext of selling the product.

“Olayemi sold off the product and converted the proceeds to personal use.

“When the distributors did not get any feedback from the accused, they reported the accused to his employer, who later discovered that he had converted the proceeds to his personal use.”

The offences contravened Section 285 and 312 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The Section 285 prescribes a three-year jail term for stealing, while Section 312 stipulates 15 years imprisonment for obtaining by false pretences.

The Magistrate, Mrs A.O. Gbajumo, granted the accused bail in the sum of N400,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Gbajumo said the sureties must be gainfully employed and should show evidence of two years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government and adjourned the case until May 3 for mention.