A Magistrate court sitting in Yaba area of Lagos State today granted bail to five men who have been accused of alleged theft of exotic spirits and wines worth N20 million, belonging to their employer.
The suspects are Micheal Akor aged 28, James Akor, 23, Lawrence Naanban, 30, Isaac Zafaniah, 20, and Isaac Dauda, 20.
They were charged with conspiracy and theft by the police.
The Prosecution Counsel, Sgt. Modupe Olaluwoye, told the court that the defendants committed the offence sometime in March, at No 10, Emma Abimbola Cole Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.
She also alleged that the defendants, being employees of the company Party Drinks Limited, during the lockdown, stole some cartons of Hennessy XO, Moët & Chandon champagne, Jameson wine and Baileys, worth N20 million.
She added that the defendants were captured on camera.
The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Magistrate LY Balogun admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N500,000 each with two sureties in like sum.
Balogun ordered that the sureties must be gainfully employed and should provide evidence of three years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
The case was subsequently adjourned to September 22 for mention.
