Odinaka, whose address was not provided, is facing a three-count charge of stealing, fraud and breach of peace, to which he, however, pleaded not guilty.
The Prosecutor, Insp Edet Ekpo, told the court that the defendant committed the offences in July 2024 at No. 138, Magbon Ibiye Town, Badagry.
Ekpo said that the defendant stole the N2.9 million at a gas station belonging to the complainant, Mr Sunday Osaze.
He said that the defendant could not give an account of the money when the company account was being audited.
“The defendant conducted himself in a manner likely to breach the peace by mismanaging his employer’s money.
“He was arrested and handed over to police,” the prosecutor said.
According to him, the offences contravene Sections 287(7) and 168 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos, 2015.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 287(7) stipulates seven years jail term for stealing from one’s employer, while Section 168 provides 15 years for fraud.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr Nurudeen Layeni, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N1,000,000, with two sureties in like sum.
Layeni said that one of the sureties must be self employed, with evidence of tax payment to Lagos State Government.
He adjourned the case till Sept. 10 for mention.