Car wash owner, 3 others docked for car theft

A commercial car-wash operator and three others charged with the theft of a car, valued at N3 million, have appeared before a Shomolu Magitrates’ Court in Lagos.

The accused, Emmanuel John, 21; Mohammed Ibrahim, 19; Dele Gomina, 34, Husseini Abdullahi, 30, and Ibrahim Sulieman, 38, are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.
They all denied the charges.

Prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Akinlabi Adegoke, told the court that the accused on January 7, 2014, stole a car marked EKY 08 CG, belonging to one Mrs. Anne Oseragbaje.
He said, “John and Ibrahim operated a car wash in Gbagada Phase 2, where Oseragbaje regularly washed her vehicle. The defendants on January 7 conspired and stole the Honda CRV from the complainant’s home.

“The accused while offering their services duplicated the keys to Oseragbaje’s vehicle and trailed her to her home at Pedro, Shomolu. They conspired with Gomina, Abdullahi and Sulieman to sell the stolen vehicle which they had repainted.
“Ibrahim and John also tried to extort money from the complainant, claiming to have information as to the whereabouts of her car. They where consequently, apprehended by the police.”

The prosecution, said the offences contravened Sections 285 and 409 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.
In her ruling, the Magistrate, Mrs. Bola Osunsanmi, granted the accused persons bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
The case was adjourned till April 16 for further hearing.