Two truck drivers, Azeez Hassan and Musa Mohammed, have been granted bail of N1 million each following their arraignment before a Lagos State Magistrate Court. They are accused of conspiring to divert and steal cashew nuts valued at N28 million.
The defendants, whose addresses remain undisclosed, face charges of conspiracy, diversion, and theft. Inspector Olatunde Kehinde, representing the prosecution, revealed that Hassan and Mohammed allegedly committed the thefts at different times. On April 15, 2024, Hassan reportedly diverted a shipment of 28,000 tons of cashew nuts, stealing 6,340 kg valued at N28,215,000. Mohammed is accused of diverting and stealing 5,700 tons of cashew nuts from a similar shipment on March 18, 2024.
The stolen goods belonged to Sunbeth Global Concept. The charges against the defendants fall under Sections 411, 328, and 287 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015. Both men have pleaded not guilty. Chief Magistrate Mrs. Opeyemi Ekundayo set their bail at N1 million each, requiring two sureties per defendant, who must provide evidence of tax payment and verified addresses. The case is scheduled for mention on September 18, 2024.
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