Two cashiers were on Wednesday arraigned before a Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos over the alleged theft of N2.66 million from a microfinance bank.
The defendants are Benson James, 43, and Lateef Abolore, 39, of no given addresses.
They are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and theft.
The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Police prosecutor, ASP Rita Momah, told the court that the defendants committed the offences sometime in 2021 at Akpeka Estate in the Ikorodu area of Lagos.
Momah said that the defendants were on contract with the complainant, Crossover Microfinance Bank Ltd., and stole N2.66 million from the bank.
The offences contravened sections 411 and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 411 is punishable by two years imprisonment for conspiracy, while 287 stipulates three years imprisonment for the offence of theft.
Chief Magistrate, Mrs Adeola Adedayo, admitted the defendants to bail in N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.
Adedayo directed that both sureties must be residing within the court’s jurisdiction and be gainfully employed with evidence of three years of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
According to her, the sureties must show proof of employment, sources of income and must have their addresses and offices verified by the court.
Adedayo adjourned the case until April 5, for mention.