LAGOS – A 27-year-old cashier, Franca Aikponbhoa, who allegedly stole N688,000 belonging to her employer, Diamond Bank, on Thursday appeared before a Tinubu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.
The accused, who is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and theft, pleaded innocence to the charges.
The Prosecutor, Sgt. Hafsat Ajibode, told the court that the accused committed the offences on June 17, at about 10:30 a.m. at Diamond Bank, Broad Street branch, Lagos Island.
Ajibode said that the accused conspired with a customer now at large, to steal N688,000 belonging to the bank.
She said that the accused on the day of the incident reported that the said amount was missing from her cubicle.
“When the CCTV footage was played, it showed that a male customer, who saw her leaving her desk, went to stand in front of her cubicle.
“The customer stretched his hands and picked the bundle of money she left on her desk and walked out of the bank.
“The accused who knew it was only her cubicle that was functioning in the bulk room, and that there were no security guards around, left the money and her desk unattended to,” she said.
The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 287 (7) and 411 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015, which stipulated seven years and two years imprisonment respectively for offenders.
The Chief Magistrate, Tajudeen Elias, admitted the accused to N500,000 bail with one surety in like sum.
He said that the surety must be gainfully employed and must be a relative of the accused.
The case was adjourned until Sept. 27 for mention.
