May 30, 2012 – A Lagos Island-based goldsmith, Sikiru Adeyemi, 42, has been arrested by the police at Adeniji Adele Division for allegedly stealing some parts of gold chains valued at N10 million which a customer gave to him to wash.
The incident occurred at Tuosoko-Ereko Street, Lagos Island, Lagos State, southwest Nigeria.
He was arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court on a two-count charge of stealing.
The police stated in their charge sheet that the accused was arrested following a complaint by Alhaja Falilat Masha that the accused has stolen parts of her gold chains she gave to him to wash. She alleged that Adeyemi stole parts of the chains after he had cut the gold into pieces, making them useless and after that he escaped.
He surrendered himself to the police after his wife was arrested.
During investigation, he allegedly confessed to the crime that he cut some parts of the chains and sold it for N183,400. He begged the police for forgiveness.
The prosecutor, Sergeant Philip Osijale, said the offences contravene Sections 337(1) (7) and 285 (1) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.
When the charges were read to him by the presiding magistrate, Mrs. Aigbokhaebo, he pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties who must be resident in Lagos State and who must give proof of tax payment to the Lagos State government.
The matter has been adjourned till 15 June, 2012.
