By Habeeb Ibrahim
Two women, Folake Aluko, 49, and Shomade Sidikat, 42, have been arraigned before the Ejigbo Magistrate Court in Lagos for allegedly stealing 16 cartons of spaghetti valued at N1.1 million from Jendol Supermarket in the Egbeda area of the state.
According to the police, Aluko, a staff of the supermarket, conspired with Sidikat to unlawfully divert the goods. The incident reportedly occurred on March 4, 2024.
The supermarket’s management discovered the missing stock during a routine audit and reported the case to the Idimu Police Division. Aluko was arrested and, during interrogation, allegedly confessed to selling the stolen items to Sidikat, who was also arrested.
The two suspects were charged with conspiracy, stealing, and receiving stolen goods under Sections 411, 287, and 378(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecutor, Inspector Simeon Njue, requested a trial date to allow the police to present evidence in court.
Presiding Magistrate T.A. Popoola granted each defendant bail in the sum of N100,000, with two sureties in like sum. The sureties are required to provide proof of livelihood and tax payments. The court also ordered verification of their addresses.
The defendants were remanded in custody at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending fulfillment of their bail conditions. The case was adjourned for mention.
