Two men, Kehinde Idowu, 22, and Maxwell Adegoke, 23, appeared before the Badagry Chief Magistrates' Court in Lagos on Wednesday over allegations of stealing and threat to life. They are accused of stealing an iPhone 15 Plus worth N700,000 belonging to Michael Eluwan at Star Light Bus Stop in Morogbo on March 21 at about 4:00 p.m. Inspector Friday Maneh, prosecuting, said the duo conspired to commit the felony and threatened the complainant, placing him in fear. The charges are based on Sections 411, 287, and 56 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos, 2015. Both defendants pleaded not guilty. Chief Magistrate A J Aina granted each bail in the sum of N300,000 with two sureties, one of whom must be a community leader. The case was adjourned until May 18 for mention.
The theft of a single phone worth N700,000 has drawn as much judicial attention as dozens of unresolved cybercrime and armed robbery cases dragging across Lagos courts. With Kehinde Idowu and Maxwell Adegoke only charged for stealing and intimidation—not more severe economic or violent crimes—this case underscores how routine thefts involving high-value gadgets are becoming fixtures in Lagos's criminal calendar. If the courts are clogged with cases like this, real security threats may keep slipping through the cracks.
