The police on Thursday dragged a man, Gbenga Adebayo, before the Ogudu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, for allegedly stealing a Toyota Sienna space bus valued at ₦12 million.

The defendant, a sculptor, is standing trial on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, Sunday Bassey, alleged that the defendant and four others now at large committed the offences on November 7, 2025, at about 1:00 a.m., at No. 11, Alawo Abejide St, Igando.

He alleged that the defendant conspired with others to steal a light blue Toyota Sienna space bus, with registration number SMK 198 HN, belonging to a complainant, Abayomi Oyelaja.

The complainant was alleged to have parked his vehicle in front of his residence on the night of the incident.

Mr Bassey said that after returning from his business at Igando Market, the complainant discovered the following morning that his vehicle had been stolen. 

He alleged that an eyewitness said that the defendant and others were seen driving the vehicle out of the compound in the wee hours of that morning.

According to the prosecution, the vehicle is worth about ₦12 million.

The offences contravene the provisions of sections 287 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The magistrate, O. A. Dadaou, granted the defendant bail of ₦300,000, with two sureties in like sum.

She adjourned the case until January 26 for mention. 

(NAN)