(SINL NIGERIA) Three cashiers on Friday appeared before a Surulere Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos over the alleged theft of proceeds of cosmetics sale worth N15 million from their employer.

The defendants – Samuel Oloyede, 24; Ibrahim Oladejo, 27; and Olanrewaju Adedayo, 29; whose residential addresses were not provided, are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

The trio, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Prosecutor, Insp Courage Ekhueorohan, told the court that the defendants committed the offences on Aug. 26, at Tejuosho Shopping Complex, Phase 2, Yaba, Lagos.

Ekhueorohan alleged that the defendants conspired amongst themselves to steal the sum of N15 million from their employer, one Christy Odjewedje, owner of Tega Cosmetics and SPA.

“The defendants converted money realised from the sales of different cosmetics to their personal bank accounts.

“Instead of remitting the sales proceeds into their employer’s account, they converted the money for personal use“, he said.

The offences, Ekhueorohan said, contravene Sections 411 and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The News Agency reports that Section 287 prescribes three -year jail term for stealing, while conspiracy, according to Section 411, attracts two years jail term.

The Magistrate, Mrs O. O. Otitoju, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N500,000 each, with two responsible sureties each in like sum.

Otitoju said the sureties must be gainfully employed and show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

She adjourned the case until Oct. 15, for mention.