The Lagos State Police command have arrested a factory driver, Dominic Nege, for reportedly stealing goods valued at N10.3m.
The driver’s trouble began on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, when he was sent to deliver 143 crates of beer at Bonny Camp, Victoria Island, Lagos. The suspect reportedly switched off his phone and diverted the goods which belonged to Rabel Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of International Breweries.
All efforts to locate him proved abortive and the case was reported to the police. Parading the suspect, the state Commissioner of Police, Edgal Imohimi said operatives of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad arrested the suspect in Benue State.
He said, “Efforts to arrest the suspect paid off on Monday, June 11, 2018, when he was traced to Makurdi, Benue State. During interrogation, the suspect led detectives to the Sangotedo area of Ibeju Lekki, where the Mitsubushi truck, with number plate, JJJ 873 XJ, was abandoned after he had disposed of the goods.”
It was gathered that when Nege’s employer checked his profile, it was discovered that he falsified the information he gave, including that of his guarantor. The driver who confessed to the crime, said he lost his peace after diverting the goods.
“I was arrested inside a church in Benue State. I was in the church to pray for forgiveness and confess to the pastor because I did not have peace of mind.
“I sold the crates of drink by going to people’s shops. I told them that the company had organised a promo. I sold one crate of beer, which cost N1,900, for N1,800. But those who bought five crates were given one extra crate.
“So people showed interest and ordered for some crates on credit. I even gave a man about 89 crates of beer on credit. He later paid me N30,000″ he said.
Also confirming the arrest of the driver, his boss Jacob Audu, said he employed the suspect out of pity.
He said, “We asked him to transfer products from one of our warehouses to another one. After about three hours, we didn’t see him. We suspected something was wrong and reported to the police.
“I helped him because we are from the same state. Despite what he has done, I will continue to help people. He is just another confused young Nigerian that thinks that stealing is the best way to the top. But if he gets out of the system with a reformed mind, I can still give him a second chance. But for now, he should be charged to court as a deterrent to others.”
