Lagos steward arraigned over N13m theft

A 20-yr-old steward, Michalan Stephen, was on Thursday arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly burgling his boss’ house and carting away valuables worth N13m.

Speaking during cross-examination by the prosecuting counsel, Mrs. Patricia O. the complainant identified only as Mr Christopher, told the court that the defendant (Stephen) whom he knew as Maxwell on November 9, 2021, broke into his room and that of his wife when they were not at home.

He stated that he returned home from where he went to take medications and the kitchen doors and those of other rooms’ were broken while his steward was nowhere to be found.

The PUNCH reported that items carted away included; jewellery, iPhone, a Motorola phone, clothes and some other valuables.

He added that his valuables stolen cost N13m while he didn’t disclose that of his wife.

He said, “He was my steward. We got him through an agent and I knew him as Maxwell and not what they are calling him now. On November 9, 2021, at around 5pm, I went for medication and my wife was not around, I left the front door open for the steward. When I returned, I found the front door locked. I called the guard and I asked after Maxwell. “I told the guard to check through the back and he returned to say that the back door was open. I went through the back door with the guard to the bedroom and saw that the door was broken.

“There was a clover, scissors and knife on the floor. Where I kept the watches and other valuables were no longer there. The padlock of my wife’s door was broken, her jewellery, clothes and pants were all taken.”

It was also gathered that Michalan was tracked by the police and arrested at a prison in Benin City, Edo State, while some stolen valuables were recovered.

The plaintiff also disclosed that his necklace was found on the defendant’s neck as at the time he was apprehended.

The case was however adjourned to July 28, 2022, by the presiding Judge, M.O Joseph for the defendant’s inability to present a lawyer.