A 29-year-old cleaner, Paul Essien, who allegedly stole his co-worker’s Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card and withdrew N30,000 with it, on Monday appeared before a magistrates’ court in Lagos.

Essien, who resides at Isale Eko, Lagos Island, is facing a count charge of stealing at an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court.

The prosecutor, Cpl. Friday Mameh, told the court that the accused committed the offence on Nov. 23, at No. 139B, Eti-Osa Way, Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos.

“Essien stole an Eco bank ATM card belonging to one Mr Francis Oyatoye and withdrew the sum of N30, 000 without the consent of the complainant.

“Oyatoye had given the accused his pin number sometime ago to help him withdraw some money,” Mameh said.

The offence contravened Section 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011, according to the prosecutor.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.

The Magistrate, Mrs A. A. Adetunji, granted him bail in the sum of N100, 000 with one surety in like sum.

Adetunji said that the surety must be gainfully employed and that his address should be verified.

The magistrate adjourned the case till Dec. 12.