By Paul Iyoghojie
In a shocking turn of events that has stunned Lagos, a 19-year-old point-of-sale (POS) operator named Emenike Baberechi Martha, has found herself incarcerated following allegations that she orchestrated an astounding N20 million scam against her unaware boss.
Martha, who works as a point-of-sale agent for daily contributor manager Onyebuche Alajekwu, stands accused of carrying out an audacious financial plot alongside two purported co-conspirators: Tochukwu Arum, aged 30, and Ifeanyi Asomugua, aged 28.
The three individuals were dramatically located and apprehended by an elite police unit following their reported disappearance with the money.
As stated by the prosecution, Martha had the responsibility of gathering and submitting daily customer payments through a point-of-sale device.
However, rather than carrying out her responsibilities, she supposedly redirected the substantial sum of N20 million through the accounts of her fellow accused individuals, diverting the funds for her own personal expenses.
However, the situation came to light when her boss, concerned about the vanished millions, promptly alerted Assistant Commissioner of Police, Ebruajaa Nwanchukwu, at the Area ‘E’ Command in Festac.
Immediately, ACP Nwanchukwu initiated a search operation that culminated in the apprehension of the suspects at their refuge in Lagos.
The suspects have appeared before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, which is held at Tinubu Magistrates’ Court on Lagos Island, charged with four counts involving conspiracy, fraud, theft, and threatening someone’s life.
The prosecuting police officer, Inspector Gbenga Salami, shocked the courtroom with his claims that the defendant had reportedly threatened to murder the complainant if they were to report the alleged theft.
It is claimed that these offenses breach sections 411, 309(1), 56(1)(A), and 165D of the Lagos State Criminal Law from 2015.
Even though the accusations were serious, the three defendants entered pleas of not guilty.
The Presiding Magistrate, Chief Magistrate O.O. Olatunji, has approved bail for them at a sum of N5 million each, requiring two sureties in an equal amount. However, they have been instructed to be immediately transferred to Ikoyi and Kirikiri Correctional Centers until their bail terms are met.
The court has postponed the case for additional proceedings.
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