Company Staff Faces Trial Over Alleged N13.7m Theft

A 30-year-old woman, Susan Folarin, on Monday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court over alleged theft of N13.7 million from her employer.

Folarin faces a one-count charge of stealing by clerks or servants.

Prosecutor, Supol Josephine Ikhayere, told the court the offence occurred between January 2025 and January 2026 at De-people’s Ajo Choice Ltd., Aboru, Lagos State.

She alleged the defendant, while employed by the firm, “dishonestly converted N13,710,200, being customers’ daily contributions, to her personal use”.

Ikhayere further alleged that Folarin “diverted part of the funds into her personal bank account and failed to remit same to the company”.

According to her, the offence contravenes Sections 280(1)(a) and (b), punishable under Section 287(7) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Section 287(7) prescribes a seven-year prison term for anyone who steals from an employer.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge

Magistrate, Lateef Owolabi, granted her bail of N700,000 with two sureties in like sum.

The case was adjourned until June 9 for further hearing.