Woman Arrested for Allegedly Stealing Clothes Worth Over ₦700,000 in Lagos

A 45-year-old woman, Adaeze Ojukwu, has been arrested and charged in Lagos State for allegedly stealing clothes worth over ₦700,000 from a popular supermarket. She is facing charges of theft and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.

The incident occurred at Kantagwa Super Market in the Ikeja area of Lagos. According to the police, Ojukwu entered the store and allegedly stole clothes belonging to two individuals, Haruna Memunat and Comfort Abraham. The total value of the stolen items was estimated at more than ₦700,000.

However, her attempt was unsuccessful as she was caught and handed over to the police at the Ikeja Division. Officers detained her for questioning and conducted an investigation into the alleged crime.

Following the interrogation, the police found her culpable and subsequently charged her before the Ogba Magistrate Court. The specific charges against her include stealing and engaging in conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.

Retail theft remains a concern for businesses in Lagos, with many supermarkets and stores implementing stricter security measures to curb shoplifting. Cases like this highlight the continued efforts by law enforcement to address theft and maintain order.

Authorities have yet to disclose whether the stolen clothes were recovered or if Ojukwu has entered a plea in court. The case is expected to proceed through the legal system, where she will have the opportunity to defend herself against the allegations.

The police have urged business owners and the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to help prevent similar incidents in the future.

The charges read:

COUNT 1: “That you, Adaeze Ojukwu ‘f, sometimes in the month of November, 2024 at Kantagwa Super Market in the Ikeja Magisterial District, did steal clothes valued the sum of N579,050.00 (Five hundred and Seventy Nine thousand fifty Naira) property of one Haruna Memunat and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 280 (1) (a) (b) punishable under Section 287 (5) (a) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015.”

COUNT 2:-” That you, Adaeze Ojukwu ‘f, sometimes in the month of November, 2024 at Kantagwa Super Market in the Ikeja Magisterial District, did steal clothes valued the sum of N136,000.00(one hundred and Thirty Six thousand Naira) property of one Comfort Abraham and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 280 (1) (a) (b) punishable under Section 287 (5) (a) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015.”

COUNT 3:-“That you, Adaeze Ojukwu ‘f on the same date, time and same aforesaid Magisterial District, did conduct yourself in a manner to cause the breach of peace and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 168 (A) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.”

However, she pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Inspector Sanusi Adetutu, asked the Court to give a date for hearing since she pleaded not guilty to enable the Police to prove that she actually committed the alleged offence.

The Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. O. Kusanu, granted her bail with two sureties, who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment while addresses will be verified by the Court.

The matter was adjourned for mention while the defendant was remanded in custody at the correctional center at Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending when she will perfect her bail conditions.