Man faces trial for allegedly snatching N11.9m at bank premises

A man, Festus Eboh, who allegedly snatched bags containing N1.1 million and 30, 000 dollars (N10.8 million) within a bank precinct in Lagos, has been granted a temporary reprieve.

An Ikeja Magistrates’ Court admitted the accused to a bail of N1 million in addition to two responsible sureties in like sum.

The sureties, one of who must be a blood relation of the accused, should be gainfully employed with an evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government, Magistrate O.A. Akokhia ruled.

The accused, 35, who lives at No. 17, European Quarters, Meiran in Abule Egba, a Lagos suburb, was arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy and robbery, however, pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution had alleged that the accused snatched N1.1million from an unsuspecting customer who was coming out of the bank after cash withdrawal.

Police Prosecutor Benedict Aigbokhan had told the court that the offences were committed at a GTB branch at Amuwo Odofin, Lagos at 12.30 p.m. on Oct. 14, 2017.

He alleged that the accused and others at large had conspired to snatch bags from customers coming out of the bank on different days.

“The accused waylaid and snatched a bag containing N1.1m from an unsuspecting customer who had gone to withdraw money from the bank.

“On Oct. 26, 2017 at 10.00 a.m. the accused also snatched 30, 000 dollars from another GTBank customer at the same place.

“The accused was apprehended by the police after watching the footage of the CCTV,’’ Aigbokhan said.

The offences contravened Sections 287 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The case has been adjourned until March 23.

(NAN)