Three security guards employed by the Indomie Noodles company have been arrested and charged with conspiracy, burglary, and theft after allegedly stealing items worth N1.1 billion from the company’s warehouse in Ebonyi State.
The accused, Idika Chukwu, 70, Nwachukwu Abel, 47, and Mbam Moses, 58,https://applesbite.com/inflation-real-reason-indomie-reduced-prices-of-popular-staple-food-item-revealed/ appeared before the Abakaliki Magistrate Court in Ebonyi, facing charges related to the alleged theft. According to the police, these guards were working at the Indomie Noodles warehouse located in Uburu, Ohaozara, when they allegedly conspired to cart away the items.
The incident came to light when the company conducted an audit of the warehouse stock and discovered a significant amount of goods were missing. Upon questioning the guards about the missing items, they were unable to provide a satisfactory explanation, prompting the company to report the matter to the police.
The Ebonyi State Police Command conducted an investigation that led to the arrest of the three guards, who were then charged in court with stealing goods valued at N1.1 billion.
During the court proceedings, Prosecutor Eze Chinagorom stated that the alleged offenses took place between August 2023 and July 2024 in Umunaga, Uburu, Ohaozara, Ebonyi. He detailed how the defendants reportedly broke into the Indomie warehouse and stole various items, including packets of blank cover, pillar lights, bedside lamps, wall bracket stands, covers, and reflectors. These stolen items were collectively valued at N1.1 billion.
Chinagorom emphasized that the offenses contravened Section 390(a) of the Criminal Code, Cap 33 Vol 1 Law of Ebonyi State, 2009.
All three defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The defense counsel, Mr. Intelligent Ekwe, requested the court to grant bail to the defendants under the most lenient terms, assuring the court that they would not attempt to evade justice and would provide reliable sureties. He also petitioned the court to transfer the case to Ohaozara, where the alleged crime occurred.
Presiding Magistrate Mrs. Sandra Ifeanyi-Onyibe granted the defendants bail, setting the amount at N2 million each. The bail conditions included providing two reliable sureties, who must present evidence of means of livelihood and reside within the court’s jurisdiction.
The court adjourned the case until 5th September 2024 for mention, while the defendants remain in custody at the correctional center until their bail conditions are met.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
