- Olaniyi conspired to steal the solar panels, which belonged to Ololade Olawuyi
The Lagos State Police Command on Monday arraigned Olusola Olaniyi, a 32-year-old bus driver, for allegedly stealing 80 pieces of solar panel structures valued at N25 million.
Olaniyi appeared before Magistrate Patrick Nwaka at the Chief Magistrate Court in Yaba, facing charges of conspiracy to steal and theft.
According to the charges, on May 17, 2024, Olaniyi conspired to steal the solar panels, which belonged to Ololade Olawuyi. Olawuyi reported that Olaniyi had been hired to transport and supervise two buses carrying solar panels to Cross River State. However, one of the buses, containing the 80 pieces of solar panels, never arrived.
Subsequently, Olawuyi received a call informing him that his goods had been offloaded in Onitsha, Anambra State. Despite traveling there, he could not locate his items. The police, with the help of the park’s chairman, tracked Olaniyi to Katsina State, where he was arrested.
Prosecutor Thomas Nurudeen stated that the alleged offence violated Sections 410 and 287 (5) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015. He noted that the complainant’s and investigating officer’s statements were key evidence.
Olaniyi pleaded not guilty to the charges. Magistrate Nwaka set bail at N4 million with four sureties residing in Lagos State. Until bail is met, Olaniyi will be held at Ikoyi Correctional Centre. The case has been adjourned to September 9, 2024.