By Sunday Dennis

Two employees of Valuecity Supermarket in Lekki, including the Chief Security Officer, have been arraigned for allegedly orchestrating a major after-hours theft involving goods valued at over N28 million.

The suspects, 35-year-old Obikayo Obitayo Abiodun, the supermarket’s Chief Security Officer, and his colleague, Emmanuel James Onorjar, also 35, appeared before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, Tinubu, Lagos Island, following their arrest by officers from the Zone 2 Police Command.

According to police investigators, the alleged theft occurred between December 31, 2024, and January 9, 2025, when the duo reportedly gained unauthorized access to the supermarket premises at night and made away with high-value items owned by the business proprietor, Mr. Ilechukwu Okereke.

The theft came to light when Mr Okereke discovered the missing inventory and promptly filed a petition to the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in Zone 2, Adegoke Fayoade.

A special investigative team was deployed and successfully tracked down the suspects through intelligence gathering and digital surveillance.

Inspector Awe Friday, who led the investigation, charged the accused with four counts, including conspiracy, unlawful entry, and theft, offences contrary to Sections 411, 309(1)(2), and 287 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2025.

During proceedings, the prosecutor, ASP Ibrahim Haruna, informed the court that the suspects allegedly used their positions and knowledge of the premises to facilitate the burglary and removal of merchandise worth N28,191,000.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Magistrate A.O. Alogba granted each defendant bail in the sum of N1 million, with two sureties in like sum.

They were remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending the fulfilment of their bail conditions.

The case was adjourned until May 23, 2025, for further mention.