Sales rep appears in court over alleged theft of employer’s N8.5m

A 32 year old sales representative, Vincent Ukoh, on Thursday appeared before a Lagos Court, for allegedly stealing N8.5 million belonging to his employer.

The sales representative whose address of residence was not disclosed, however, pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge of fraud and stealing.

Insp Anthonia Osayande, who’s the prosecutor, informed the court that the defendant carried out the offences from  January 2020 to September 2022 at No. 1a, African Church Close, Off Coker Road, Ilupeju, Lagos State.

The prosecutor made an allegation that Ukoh illegally took away proceeds of sales for Davinks Healthcare Nig. Ltd, his employer.

She revealed that Ukoh made a diversion of the money belonging to his employer for his personal use.

This was the money he gained from the sale of Vista soap, Daravit drinks, Vista Plus cream, Neoskin cream, Neoskin soap, Acneaway cream, and which belong to his employer.

The prosecutor also admitted that the stealing was noticed during an audit of the accounts of the company.

She added that the offences were in contravention of the Sections 287 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Mr Adewale Ojo, who’s the Chief Magistrate, gave Ukoh the sum of one million Naira bail plus two sureties in like sum.

Ojo declared that the sureties must be blood relatives of the defendant and present evidence of payment of three years’ tax to Lagos State Government.

He has adjourned the matter until November 4 for trial.