Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A 35-year-old security guard with Sujimoto Construction Company, Sunday Omale, has been arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate's Court over the alleged theft of company property valued at N2.8 million. Omale, who was employed to protect the company's assets, is accused of stealing scaffolding clips and electrical chokes entrusted to his care while on duty at the company's site in the upscale Banana Island area of Ikoyi, Lagos.
According to the police prosecution, the defendant committed the alleged crime after working hours on June 26, 2026. He was reportedly intercepted at the exit gate of the site at 402 Close, Banana Island, when other security personnel on night duty searched his bag and discovered the stolen items. The security team immediately alerted the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the Ikoyi Division, Mamman Kuta, who deployed operatives to the scene to effect the arrest. Following an investigation led by Ms. Esther Abimbola and her team, the defendant was charged before the Igbosere Magistrate's Court, Lagos Island.
Police prosecuting counsel, Haruna Magaji, informed the court in Charge No. O/23/2026 that the defendant committed the offence with others still at large. Magaji told the court that Sujimoto Construction had employed the defendant to guard and protect company property, but that he allegedly betrayed that trust and attempted to leave the premises with the items. The defendant faces a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing, offences punishable under Sections 411 and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. Omale pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to him.
Magistrate A.O. Alogba granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum. The Magistrate ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Facility pending the perfection of his bail conditions, and adjourned the case to September 1, 2026, for mention.
The case highlights the persistent challenge of theft on construction sites, where valuable materials such as scaffolding clips and electrical components are often targeted by insiders. Sujimoto Construction, a prominent real estate development firm known for luxury projects in Lagos, has previously faced similar incidents. In December 2022, the company dragged three workers to court for allegedly conniving to steal electrical cables valued at N100,000. More recently, the company's CEO, Olasijibomi Ogundele, has been embroiled in a high-profile legal battle with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over allegations of money laundering and diversion of funds related to a contract with the Enugu State Government. The EFCC has since recovered N1.234 billion from Sujimoto and handed it over to the Enugu State Government.
As the case against Sunday Omale progresses, it serves as a reminder that no position, not even that of a security guard entrusted with protecting property, is immune from the temptation of theft. The court's decision on September 1 will determine whether the defendant will face trial or secure his release on bail. For now, Omale remains in custody, awaiting the next chapter in a case that has cast a spotlight on the vulnerabilities of the construction industry and the trust placed in those paid to safeguard its assets.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments