Five men were on Friday arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate Court for allegedly breaking into an apartment and stealing five laptops, four cameras and other valuables worth N2.9 million.

The accused, Chukwukebuka Onuoha, 39; Charles Ejezie, 35; Chimobi Nwaeze, 28; Tosin Oyetakin, 30 and Ernest Azuka, 23, all residents of Ajegunle Area of Lagos, are facing a three-count of conspiracy, stealing and burglary.

The prosecutor, Insp. Simeon Imhonwa, told the court that the accused committed the offenses on July 12 at Ekundayo Street, Ajegunle, Lagos.

He said the accused conspired among them to break into the apartment of one John Olomu and committed the act.

“The accused and his accomplices used a sharp object to gain access and were able to carry out the operation because the owner of the apartment had gone to work.

“The accused and his cohorts were caught by the complainant’s neighbour, who saw the accused coming out with laptops and other valuables.

“She raised an alarm and the people in the compound came out and apprehended the accused while they were trying to escape.

“Olomu reported the case to the police immediately his neighbour notified him about the theft incident and the accused were arrested,” Imhonwa said.

The offenses contravened the provisions of sections 287, 307 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges levied against them.

Section 287 prescribes a three-year jail term for stealing; Section 411 stipulates two years for conspiracy while Section 307 stipulates seven years for burglary.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs. B.O. Osunsanmi granted the accused bail in the sum of N300,000 each with two sureties each in like sum.