Man granted N500,000 bail for possessing stolen N2.1m jewellery

A 23-year-old, Paul Thomas, who allegedly had in his possession stolen gold watch and rings valued at N2.1 million, was on Thursday charged before a Tinubu Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.

The accused, who is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and unlawful possession of stolen items, however, denied the charges.

The accused, according to Police Prosecutor Richard Odigie, committed the offences with another man still at large sometime in February at Alpha Beach, Lekki, Lagos.

“One Michael Kors watch and four rings valued at N2.1 millon were found on the accused during a `stop-and-search’ by the police.”

He said the items were stolen by the accused’s accomplice (at large), a security guard, from his employer, who was out of the country.

ASP Odigie alleged that the accused received the stolen jewellery knowing full well that they were stolen and ownership was traced to the complainant, the employer.

The offences contravened Sections 326 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 326 stipulates 14 years imprisonment, while Section 409 provides a two-year jail term for offenders.

The Magistrate, Mrs F.O. Ikobayo, granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.

She said one of the sureties must be a relation of the accused, while the other surety must be a community leader.

Further hearing in the case has been fixed for April 12. (NAN)