Man in court over alleged ATM card theft

A 23-year-old man, Sunday Uwem, has been arraigned before a Yaba magistrate’s court over an allegation that he stole an Automated Teller Machine card.

The accused, who appeared before the Lagos court, on Tuesday, resides at No. 6, Ohamu Street, Oworonsoki, Lagos.

Uwem, who was charged with stealing, denied the allegation as he insisted that he was innocent.

But the prosecutor, Inspector Godwin Anyanwu, told the court that the accused had on September 2, 2013 stolen a Fidelity Bank ATM card belonging to the complainant, Grace Columba.

The News Agency of Nigeria reported that Uwem allegedly used the card to withdraw N42, 000 from the account.

Anyanwu said, “Both the complainant and the accused are neighbours. He patiently watched Columba when she dropped her handbag and stole the ATM card from the bag.’’

The prosecutor said the complainant, who had just collected the ATM card, planned to change the new pin number allotted to her.

He said the offence contravened Section 278 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Adekorede Ajibade, granted the accused bail in the sum of N40, 000 with one surety in like sum.

 The case was adjourned to December 12, 2013 for mention.*