A 22-year-old barman, Johnson Okpe, who allegedly bolted with his employer’s N330, 000, was on Wednesday in Lagos released on N200, 000 bail on the orders of an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.

The Magistrate, Mr J.A. Adigun, who gave the ruling, also granted the accused two sureties as part of the bail conditions.

He said the sureties must be gainfully employed and should also show evidence of two years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

The accused, a resident of Baale Street, Ifo in Ogun, is standing trial on a charge of stealing.

He, however, entered a `not-guilty’ plea.

According to the Prosecutor, Sgt. Godwin Awase, the accused committed the offence on June 12 at Alagbado, a Lagos suburb.

He said the accused absconded with N333, 000, belonging to Life Style Hotel, Alagbado, Lagos.

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“The accused, who was employed last April, ran away with Mr Emeka Okafor’s N333, 000, owner of the hotel.”

Awase said the accused stole the money from the manager’s drawer and absconded.

“Efforts made by the complainant to get his money were unsuccessful as the accused refused to pick his calls or reply
several messages sent to his phone.

“The accused was later arrested by the police, ” he said.

The offence contravened Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised)

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the section stipulates three years imprisonment for offenders.

The case was adjourned until Aug. 2 for mention. (NAN)