Two suspects, Gbadamosi Adamu (20) and Abdulrasaq Sanni (30), appeared before the Ikorodu Chief Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, facing charges of vandalizing an uncompleted building and stealing iron rods valued at over N1.01 million.
The defendants, whose residential addresses were not disclosed, pleaded not guilty to the three charges of conspiracy, stealing, and malicious damage brought against them.
Prosecutor ASP Aminu Isaac told the court that the alleged crimes occurred on July 4 in the Radio Itamaga area of Ikorodu, Lagos. According to Isaac, the defendants “willfully damaged an uncompleted building belonging to the late Mr. Tajudeen Elesho, worth over N1.01 million” and subsequently stole the construction iron rods, which they sold for N285,000.
The prosecutor emphasized that the offenses violate Sections 411, 350, 287, and 328 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. Under these provisions, theft carries a potential three-year prison sentence, while conspiracy is punishable by two years’ imprisonment.
Chief Magistrate B.A. Sonuga granted each defendant bail set at N500,000, requiring one surety in the same amount. The case has been adjourned until August 14 for further mention.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the court proceedings highlighted growing concerns about property vandalism and construction material theft in developing areas of Lagos State.
