Driver arraigned for allegedly stealing N25m solar panels

The Lagos State Police Command, on Monday, arraigned a 32-year-old bus driver, Olusola Olaniyi, for allegedly stealing 80 pieces of solar panel structures worth N25m.

Olaniyi was arraigned at the Chief Magistrate Court, Yaba, before Magistrate Patrick Nwaka and charged with two counts of conspiracy to steal and theft.

The charges alleged that the defendant, on May 17, 2024, conspired and stole 80 pieces of solar panel structures worth N25m belonging to one Ololade Olawuyi.

According Metro gathered that Olawuyi reported that the defendant was hired at Kara Park to convey and supervise two buses containing solar panels to Cross River State, but one of the buses did not arrive at the destination.

The missing bus contained 80 pieces of solar panel structures worth N25m, leading to the case being reported to the police later. During the investigation, it was discovered that a week after the buses left Lagos State, the defendant received a phone call from an unknown person stating that his goods had been offloaded in Onitsha, Anambra State. The complainant travelled to Anambra but did not find his goods.

The chairman of the park was invited, and with his statement, the police were able to track the defendant to Kastina State, where he was arrested.

Prosecutor Thomas Nurudeen informed the court that the alleged offence was committed on May 17, 2024, contravening Sections 410 and 287 (5) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015.

The prosecutor also mentioned that the complainant’s statement and statements from the investigating officer served as evidence that the alleged offences were committed.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges alleged against him.

Nwaka ordered that a bail sum of N4m be paid and four sureties, who are residents of Lagos State, be provided.

He further ordered that the defendant be remanded at Ikoyi Correctional Centre until he had perfected his bail terms.

The case was adjourned to September 9, 2024.