A 23-year-old security guard, Francis John, who allegedly stole a Nissan saloon car valued at N3 million, has appeared before a Surulere Magistrates¡¯ Court in Lagos.

John, who is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing, has pleaded not guilty.

But the prosecutor, Sgt. Christopher Okoliko, insisted that he committed the offences on Aug. 18 at No. 31, Adelabu St., Surulere, at about 5.30 p.m.

According to Okoliko, the car was stolen at the residence of the complainant, Mr Oladapo Olugbenga.

¡°When he came back from work at about 5.30 p.m., he discovered that his car had been stolen. ¡°He asked the security guard about the car but he denied any knowledge about the movement of the car.

¡°The complainant made some inquiries on the street and was reliably informed that his former driver drove the car out of the compound,
¡¯¡¯Okoliko told the court.

The offences contravened Sections 285 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The Magistrate, Mrs. M. I Dan-Oni, however, granted the accused a bail of N500, 000 with two reliable sureties in like sum.
¡°The sureties must be gainfully employed, while another surety must be living in his/her house in Lagos,¡¯¡¯ she ruled.

The case was adjourned to Sept. 12.