An apprentice in the act of trading, Job Agwu, on Wednesday appeared before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates' Court in Lagos for allegedly absconding with N1.4 million of his master.

Agwu, 32, who did not state his address, however, said he was innocent of the allegation against him.

The accused, who is facing a count charge bordering on stealing, pleaded not guilty.

In his arguments, the Prosecutor, Sgt. Joseph Ajebe, told the court that the accused committed the offence sometime between October and November of 2011 at the Ipaja Market.

Ajebe said that the accused stole the property of his master, Mr. David Adike, from the shop that he was managing at the Ipaja Market.

“As the complainant’s boy, Agwu was handed the keys to the shop where the offence was committed, as Adike travelled to Cotonou, Benin Republic.

“On his return, Adike discovered that the accused had sold all the goods in the shop.

“It was reasonable to conclude that the accused had absconded since he was nowhere to be found.

“Agwu was later seen in Okposi area of Ebonyi State.

“Adike sought the assistance of the police who later arrested the accused.”

The offence, the prosecutor said, contravened Section 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 285 prescribes seven years imprisonment for any offender.

Chief Magistrate O.A. Komolafe granted the accused bail in the sum of N500, 000, with two responsible sureties in like sum.

He adjourned the case till Sept. 2 for trial. (NAN)

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