Three men were on Monday arraigned before a Lagos State Magistrate’s Court sitting in Tinubu, Lagos Island, for allegedly stealing and receiving goods worth N2,401,500 belonging to Unified Payment Services Limited.
The defendants, Timothy Kurga, 35; James Godiya, 33; and Ifeanyi Michael, 23, are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing, and receiving stolen property.
The trio, whose residential addresses were not disclosed, appeared before Magistrate Mrs. Gbajumo Ayoku.
During the arraignment, the police prosecutor, Inspector Cyriacus Osuji, told the court that the defendants and others still at large conspired to commit the alleged crimes.
“The incident occurred between November 1, 2024, and July 16, 2025, at about 12:05 p.m., at Unified Payment Services Limited located at No. 3, Idowu Tailor Street, Victoria Island, Lagos,” Osuji said.
He told the court that the first defendant, Kurga, stole several items from the company, including 22 pieces of Oraimo ear pods valued at N45,000 each, two packs of New Age power banks (20,000mAh) valued at N35,000 each, and one pack of New Age 10,000mAh power banks worth N25,000.
“Other items include seven packs of old stock power banks valued at N20,000 each, six school bags at N25,000 each, one and a half bags of travel packs worth N75,000, three table clocks at N25,000 each, and a three-in-one travel pack worth N26,500,” he added.The prosecutor further listed eight notebooks valued at N39,375 each, two packs of men’s fabrics worth N55,000 each, one pack of women’s lace fabric worth N115,000, five water bottles valued at N35,000 each, and three laptop bags priced at N45,000 each.
“The total value of the stolen property is N2,401,500,” Osuji said. “All items belong to Unified Payment Services Limited.”
The prosecutor further listed eight notebooks valued at N39,375 each, two packs of men’s fabrics worth N55,000 each, one pack of women’s lace fabric worth N115,000, five water bottles valued at N35,000 each, and three laptop bags priced at N45,000 each.
“The total value of the stolen property is N2,401,500,” Osuji said. “All items belong to Unified Payment Services Limited.”
He also alleged that the second and third defendants, Godiya and Michael, knowingly received the stolen goods, along with others who are currently at large.
According to Osuji, the offences violate Sections 411, 287, and 328(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
However, the defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Their defence counsel urged the court to grant them bail “in the most liberal terms,” assuring the court that they would not jump bail.
While ruling on the bail application, Magistrate Ayoku granted each of the defendants bail in the sum of N750,000, with two sureties each in like sum.
The sureties must be gainfully employed and must provide evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State government,” the magistrate ruled.
“They must also submit valid means of identification, and their addresses will be verified by the court,” Ayoku held.
The matter was adjourned
till August 5, 2025, for mention.
