By Onozure Dania

Lagos—An account officer, Anita Norman, with a dry cleaning services firm, who allegedly stole the sum of N2,883,650, from her employer, was yesterday arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court in Lagos.

Norman 24, whose residential address was not given, is facing a two count charge bordering on obtaining and stealing preferred against her, by the police.

The prosecutor, Sergeant Chinedu Njoku, told the court that the defendant committed the alleged offence between January 2017 and July 2018.

He said that the incident occurred at Mega V Dry Cleaning Services, located at Thomas Estate Ajah, Lagos.

Njoku said: “The defendant while she was still at the employment of Mega V Dry Cleaning Services, as an account officer, gave her personal account to customers for payment of the services rendered to them, instead of paying into her employer’s account.

“She fraudulently stole the sum of N2,883,650, property of Mega V Dry Cleaning Services owned by Mr. Victor Odoh. The company discovered the fraud, when an audit was carried out on its accounts,” the prosecutor added.

According to the prosecutor the offence committed is Punishable under Sections 287 (7) and  314 (a) (b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Consequently, Magistrate Folashade Botoku granted her bail in the sum of N200,000, with two sureties in like sum.

She said that the sureties must be gainfully employed, show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government and have their addresses verified.

The case was adjourned till September 3, for mention.