Man Arraigned For Stealing Sardines Worth N73,530 From Lagos Superstore

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

A 24-year-old man, identified as Anas Okechukwu, has been arraigned before an Ogba Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for allegedly stealing several tins of Titus sardines valued at N73,530 from Jendol Superstore in the Alakuko area of the state.

The incident reportedly occurred on 31 August 2025 at the store located along Abeokuta Expressway, Alakuko.

According to reports, Okechukwu was allegedly caught by security personnel while attempting to leave the premises with 35 pieces of Titus sardines valued at N59,850. Upon further checks, the store’s management discovered additional shortages, linking him to a separate theft of 8 pieces valued at N13,680, bringing the total to N73,530.

The suspect was subsequently handed over to the Alakuko Police Division, where he was interrogated and later charged with two counts of stealing, contrary to Section 280 and punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The charges read in part:

“That you, Anas Okechukwu ‘M’, on 31 August 2025 at about 6:30 p.m. at Jendol Superstores, Alakuko, Lagos, in the Ikeja Magisterial District, did steal 35 pieces of Titus sardines valued at N59,850, property of Jendol Superstores, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 280 and punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.”

“That you, on 5 September 2025 at about 6:00 p.m. at the same location, did steal 8 pieces of Titus sardines valued at N13,680, property of Jendol Superstores, Alakuko, Lagos, totalling N73,530, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 280 and punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.”

Okechukwu, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecuting officer, Supol Philip Ademigbuji, requested the court to set a date for hearing to enable the prosecution to prove its case.

The presiding magistrate granted the defendant bail with certain conditions and ordered his remand at a correctional centre pending the perfection of the bail terms. The case was adjourned for further mention.