- Safiu Kehinde
Three employees have on Thursday been arraigned before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court by Lagos Police over alleged theft of computer accessories worth N1.9 billion from their employer.
The defendants identified as Rasheed Abiola, 54, a data manager; Haruna Alao, 46; and Oludare Ogundipe, 48, both warehouse officers, are facing charges of conspiracy and stealing.
While their residential addresses were not provided, the prosecutor, ASP Adegoke Ademigbuji, told the court that the offences were committed between April 2024 and March 2025 at Red Star Express Plc, Oshodi, Lagos.
Ademigbuji said that during an audit, it was discovered that a large quantity of computer accessories was missing from the company’s warehouse.
“Missing items include computer random access memory (RAM), 853 internet protocol (IP) phones, and various Cisco network accessories, all valued at N1.92 billion,” he said.
He alleged that the defendants, who were responsible for the warehouse, could not provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the missing items.
The offences, according to the prosecutor, contravene Sections 287 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2025.
Chief Magistrate O.O. Kushanu granted each of the defendants bail in the sum of N60 million, with two sureties in like sum.
She adjourned the case until June 19 for mention.