Three men have been arraigned before a Tinubu Magistrate’s Court on Lagos Island for allegedly stealing and receiving goods valued at N2,401,500, property of Unified Payment Services Limited.

The defendants — 35-year-old Timothy Kurga, 33-year-old James Godiya, and 23-year-old Ifeanyi Michael — are facing a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, theft, and possession of stolen items.

Their residential addresses were not disclosed during the proceedings before Magistrate Mrs. Gbajumo Ayoku.

Police prosecutor, Inspector Cyriacus Osuji, informed the court that the accused, alongside others still at large, conspired to commit the offences between November 1, 2024, and July 16, 2025. The incident allegedly occurred at Unified Payment Services Limited’s office located at 3 Idowu Tailor Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

According to Osuji, the first defendant, Kurga, allegedly stole various items from the company, including 22 Oraimo ear pods valued at N45,000 each, two sets of New Age 20,000mAh power banks at N35,000 apiece, and one set of New Age 10,000mAh power banks worth N25,000.

Additional items allegedly stolen include seven packs of older model power banks (N20,000 each), six school bags (N25,000 each), one and a half travel bags (N75,000), three table clocks (N25,000 each), and a three-in-one travel set valued at N26,500.

Osuji further noted the theft of eight notebooks worth N39,375 each, two packs of men’s fabric (N55,000 each), one pack of women’s lace fabric (N115,000), five water bottles (N35,000 each), and three laptop bags priced at N45,000 each.

The total value of the stolen goods was put at N2,401,500, all belonging to Unified Payment Services Limited.

The prosecutor also alleged that the second and third defendants, Godiya and Michael, knowingly received the stolen items. Others involved are reportedly still on the run.

Osuji stated that the offences contravene Sections 411, 287, and 328(1) of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.

All three defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Their legal representative appealed for bail, requesting leniency and assuring the court of the defendants' willingness to appear for trial.

Magistrate Ayoku granted bail to each of the accused in the sum of N750,000, with two sureties each in the same amount. The sureties must be gainfully employed, submit valid identification, and show proof of tax payments to the Lagos State Government. The court also ordered verification of the sureties’ addresses.

The case was adjourned to August 5, 2025, for further mention.