By Olaitan Ibrahim
A 29-year-old apprentice, Samson Joseph, has landed in hot water after allegedly masterminding a midnight warehouse heist, stealing goods worth N10 million from his employer, Ilechukwu Ani.
Police said Joseph conspired with 20-year-old security guard James Joseph to break into the warehouse, making away with a bundle of high-end clothing, including polo shirts, T-shirts, and joggers.
The stolen goods were allegedly sold to a receiver, Godwin Paul, before the culprits vanished.
The crime was uncovered when Ani returned from a trip and found his apprentice missing, his phone switched off, and the valuable stock gone.
A swift police investigation led to Joseph’s arrest at a Lagos hideout, where he reportedly confessed and assisted in nabbing his accomplices.
Following an investigation by ASP Onunzi Joseph and his team, the trio was arraigned before the Tinubu Magistrate’s Court on charges of conspiracy, breaking and entering, and theft.
Prosecuting counsel Ishola Samuel revealed that the crime was committed between November 2024 and January 2025 at Nnamdi Azikiwe Street, Lagos Island.
The defendants pleaded not guilty, and their lawyer, Barrister Augustine Okeh, pleaded for leniency, assuring the court they would not abscond.
Chief Magistrate O.O. Olatunji granted bail at N2 million each, with two sureties in like sum.
The case was adjourned to 12 February 2025, with the defendants remanded at Ikoyi Correctional Facility until their bail conditions are met.