A man who impersonated a Nigerian Naval officer has been nabbed for the theft of cars totaling N13.9million.
Nigerian Naval Officers
A 39-year-old man identified as Adekanla Ayodele has been accused of stealing five vehicles worth N13.9 million while impersonating a Navy Commander.
Ayodele who was said to have worn the naval uniform with the badge of a Commander and, in the company of some accomplices, obtained the five Toyota Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) from the owners sometime in December 2012.
The owners, Mr Iredodia Obazee and Mr Usman Muda, reported to the police and Ayodele was later arrested.
He was on Thursday, Janauary 28, arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence, stealing and impersonation preferred against him by the police.
Prosecuting Inspector Stephen Molo told the court that the defendant, who resides in the Ajah area of Lagos, and others who are still at large unlawfully obtained the vehicles.
He listed the SUVs as: Two unregistered Nissan Pathfinder Jeeps (2005 model); one unregistered Toyota Highlander Jeep (2004 model), one unregistered Toyota RAV4 Jeep (2008 model) and one unregistered Toyota Tundra Jeep (2002 model) all valued at N13.9 million.
Ayodele denied the charges, saying that he was just a businessman.
Magistrate A. O. Sholadoye granted him N500,000 bail with two sureties in the like sum, one of whom must be a senior military officer.
She adjourned the case to March 22.