by Isi Esene

A lot of you will find this absurd but Bartholomew Mbatuonu, 32, has been arraigned before an Apapa Chief Magistrate Court for allegedly stealing from an accident victim.

Mbatuonu, who is unemployed, was said to have pretended to be helping Georgina Chijioke, an accident victim when he was actually helping himself to some of her items, and cash worth about N200,000.

The incident happened in 2010 at Maza-maza on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

Unfortunately, Chijioke, the victim, later died as a result of injuries sustained in the accident.

The accused was said to have been caught by a passerby who saw him stealing three bags containing clothes, shoes, and money belonging to the deceased.

Corporal John Iberedem, who is the police prosecutor, said stealing is an offense is punishable under Section 285 (5) (B), of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos 2011.

Mbatuonu, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The presiding magistrate, E. Ogundare granted the accused bail in the sum of N50,000, with one surety in like sum.

The justice specifically heightened the bail conditions by specifying that the surety must show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government, as part of the bail requirements.

He later adjourned the case to October 12, 2012, for further hearing.