Landlord arraigned for burgling tenant’s shop, stealing property

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A 63-year-old landlord, Adekunle Santos, has been arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court for allegedly removing the entrance door of his tenant’s shop and taking away property valued at N994,850.

PUNCH Metro had reported that Santos on May 23 around 3.30pm allegedly broke into his tenant’s shop, Esther Demola, and removed her door, thereby exposing her goods to thugs, who allegedly carted away items valued at N994,850.

Demola, a hairdresser, had told our correspondent that her travail began when Santos’s sister-in-law, identified only as Iyalode, came to her shop to take a weave worth N10,000, which she refused to release for free.

She claimed that Santos, who took sides with Iyalode in the matter, threatened to make life difficult for her.

She added that her stylist, identified only as Balikis, who was around when Santos allegedly destroyed her shop, called her attention to the break-in but before she could get to the scene, her goods had been taken away.

Santos was arraigned on Monday on four counts of conspiracy, stealing, damage and breach of peace.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The police prosecutor, Emby Ingobo, said the offences were contrary to Section 411 and punishable under sections 280, 287, 273 (d) and 168 (1) (d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.

The magistrate, Mrs A. M. Davies, granted him bail in the sum of N100,000, with one surety in like sum.

She said the surety must be tax compliant and have his address verified.