By NAN

A dispatch rider, Ayokunle Akinniranye, 47, on Friday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing his employer’s $10,000 (N4.5 million). The defendant, whose residential address was not provided, is facing a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing. The Prosecutor, ASP Rachael Williams, alleged that the defendant stole money, belonging to Desroto Trust and Investment Ltd.

Williams alleged that the defendant committed the offences, with others still at large, on Jan. 29 at about 12.00 p.m. on Maduke St., Off Awolowo Road, Ikoyi Lagos.

She told the court that the defendant allegedly stolen the money his employer had asked him to take to a commercial Bank in Ikoyi for lodgement.

she further alleged that the defendant stole one Degab motorcycle with registration number FKJ 888 QB, property of Alpha-Beta Consulting Company Ltd.

“The defendant absconded with the money and the company’s dispatched motorcycle. “Effort made to reach the defendant proved futile,’’ the prosecutor told the court.

She said the offences contravened sections 280, 287(7) and 411 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015. The defendant pleaded not guilty.

The Magistrate, Mr M.O. Dawodu, admitted the defendant to N500,000 bail with two sureties in like sum.

Dawodu held that the sureties must be gainfully employed and should show evidence of two years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government as part of the bail conditions.

He adjourned the case until July 14 for mention.