Juliet Oladele, Reporting
A 35-year-old woman, Busurat Adekoya, has appeared before the Ejigbo Magistrate Court in Lagos State, accused of making off with a staggering 781 kilograms of cow skin – better known locally as kpomo or ponmo – worth N1.25 million at street market prices.
The alleged theft, which has left traders in disbelief, occurred on 15th December 2024 at approximately 2:00pm on Shuabu Street, Abaranje, Ikotun, in the bustling commercial hub of Lagos.
According to police reports, Adekoya is said to have obtained the substantial haul of processed cow hide under false pretences before absconding to an unknown location. The victim of the alleged crime, one Mr Tony Biachi, promptly reported the matter to officers at the Ikotun Division.
Following an investigation, Adekoya was tracked down and detained at the station for interrogation. Police prosecutors subsequently deemed her culpable after what they described as a thorough questioning process.
She now faces two counts before the court: obtaining by false pretences and theft. The charges have been brought under Sections 314(1)(a)(b), 280, and 287 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.
The second count specifically alleges that the defendant, with intent to defraud, obtained the 781kg of cow skin – a popular and affordable protein substitute in many Nigerian households – thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 314(1)(a)(b) of the same law.
Adekoya, however, pleaded not guilty to both charges.
Prosecutor Simon Njue requested that the court set a date for hearing, arguing that the police required the opportunity to prove the defendant’s alleged guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Presiding Magistrate Miss F.R. Ogunkoyode granted Adekoya bail in the sum of N500,000, with two sureties in like sum. The sureties must provide evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment, and their addresses will be verified by the court.
The defendant has been remanded in custody at the correctional centre in Kirikiri town, Lagos, where she will remain until she is able to perfect her bail conditions.
The matter has been adjourned for mention.
