By Onozure Dania

Lagos—Police, yesterday, brought four clearing agents, who allegedly stole goods worth N31.6 million from a 20-foot container, before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court in Lagos.

The defendants are Joe Chinweze,  54; Alphonsus Udogu, 53; Patrick Obiano,  49, and Augustine Oyenka, 48.

The defendants are standing trial on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

The defendants, who were docked before Magistrate Abimbola Komolafe, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecutor, Inspector Steven Molo, said the offences committed were punisha-ble under  Sections 285 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

Molo, earlier alleged that the defendants committed the alleged offences sometimes between August 6 and 20, at Apapa area of Lagos.

He said the agents stole households goods worth N31.6 million from a 20-container belonging to one Mrs Joy Ositadinma.

Magistrate Komolafe granted the defendants bail in the sum of N5 million each, with two sureties each in like sum.

She said that the sureties should be gainfully employed and their addresses verified.

The case was adjourned till December 6 for mention.