Samuel Meyiwa, a 26-year-old driver, is facing charges of embezzlement at the Yaba Magistrate’s Court in Lagos. The Lagos State Police have accused Meyiwa, employed as a driver for a company in Bariga, of diverting company funds for sports betting.
The prosecution revealed that Meyiwa, hired in March, was entrusted with selling sachet water using a company truck. Shockingly, he allegedly diverted a portion of the sales proceeds to fuel his gambling habit without the employer's knowledge.
The suspicious activities came to light in October when Meyiwa failed to return N88,000 from sachet water sales, claiming customers owed him. In November, he reportedly drove off with sachet water worth N300,000, using the funds for sports betting and subsequently absconding after losses.
Efforts to locate Meyiwa proved futile until he was spotted working elsewhere, leading to his arrest by the police. The prosecutor, Oriabure, detailed charges under Section 287 (7) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015, citing theft of N300,000 from Freedom Pure Water Company.
During court proceedings, Meyiwa pleaded not guilty to the one-count charge. In response, the magistrate granted him bail of N100,000 with two responsible sureties required to provide the same amount. The case was adjourned until January 25, 2024, for trial.
