A 24-year-old man, Isaiah Egede, on Friday appeared before an Ogudu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly attempting to steal his employer’s car worth N1.2 million.

Egede, who resides at No. 40, Agboyi Road, Alapere in Ketu area of Lagos, is facing a charge of stealing.

He pleaded not guilty. But the prosecutor, Sgt. Lucky Ihiehie, said the accused committed the offence on Aug. 12 at Tem Hotel located at No. 80, Victoria St. Ojota.

He told the court that Egede took a black Nissan Ultima 2002 model car with registration no. CK 164 ISD, belonging to his employer without consent.

Ihiehie said Chief Francis Babatunde, the complainant, reported the case to the police, claiming that he did not permit the accused to use the car.

“The accused was caught on his way to Ikorodu with the car with which unfortunately had an accident.

“On interrogation, the accused claimed that the complainant sent him to buy toilet papers for the hotel which turned out to be false.

“The complainant told the police that Egede, a porter in his hotel, was never sent by him to go on any errand and that he took the car without permission.”

The offence contravened Section 285 (10) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the section provides a penalty of seven years if convicted.

Magistrate O. S. Amzat granted the accused bail in the sum of N250, 000 with two sureties, who must be gainfully employed.

The addresses of the sureties must be verified and should also obtain a two-year tax clearance, he said.

The case was adjourned to Oct. 5 for mention. (NAN)