Accused Face Charges of Stealing and Conspiracy
On Monday, five individuals appeared before a Magistrate Court in Ota, Ogun State, for allegedly stealing a truckload of Nestlé Milo products valued at ₦25 million. The accused—Temidire Ramon (35), Aminu Yusuf (26), Olusola Opadare (35), Oludayo Adeleye (38), and Amodu Jimoh (51)—are facing two counts of conspiracy and theft.
Prosecution Details
The prosecutor, Inspector E.O. Adaraloye, informed the court that the defendants committed the alleged crime on October 13, 2020, at Agbara in Ogun State. According to the charge sheet, the defendants conspired to commit a felony by stealing a full trailer load of Nestlé Milo products, which amounted to 44 pallets of goods valued at ₦25 million.
The charges, as outlined in the charge sheet, state:
- Conspiracy: The defendants were accused of conspiring among themselves to commit theft, which is a felony under Section 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006.
- Theft: The defendants allegedly stole the goods belonging to Nestlé Nigeria Plc, an offense punishable under Section 390(9) of the same law.
- Receiving Stolen Goods: They were also charged with receiving the stolen goods, contrary to Section 427 of the Criminal Code.
Defendants’ Plea
When the charges were read, all five defendants pleaded not guilty. Their legal representatives argued for their bail, citing the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
Bail Conditions
The presiding Magistrate, Mr. O.A. Onagoruwa, granted the defendants bail in the sum of ₦500,000 each, with two sureties in like sum. He outlined strict conditions for the sureties:
- The sureties must be gainfully employed.
- They must reside within the court’s jurisdiction.
- They must provide evidence of tax payments to the Ogun State Government.
Magistrate Onagoruwa emphasized the importance of the defendants adhering to the bail conditions and adjourned the case to December 12, 2024, for hearing.
Legal and Corporate Implications
The theft of a truckload of Milo products highlights significant challenges in Nigeria’s logistics and supply chain management sectors. Such crimes, if proven, not only impact corporate operations but also erode trust in the transportation and distribution systems.
Nestlé Nigeria Plc, the owner of the stolen goods, is one of the country’s leading manufacturers of consumer goods, including food and beverages. The company has a vast network of distributors and transporters, making it a target for criminal activities. If found guilty, the accused could face severe penalties, which may include imprisonment and restitution.
Broader Impact and Legal Framework
The case is governed by the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, which provide stringent penalties for theft and conspiracy. Section 390(9) specifically addresses theft involving significant monetary value, while Section 516 punishes conspiracy to commit a felony. Section 427 covers the receipt of stolen goods, reinforcing the legal framework against the handling of illicit property.
Community Reactions and Next Steps
The case has drawn attention within the Agbara and Ota communities, with residents calling for stricter measures to safeguard goods in transit. Business stakeholders have also expressed concerns about the need for improved logistics security.
As the December 12 hearing approaches, the court will examine evidence presented by the prosecution and defense. The legal proceedings will determine the culpability of the accused and the potential restitution for the theft. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of robust security measures in Nigeria’s supply chain and the need for accountability in criminal cases.
