Police in Lagos have charged singer Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk, better known as Iyanya, with alleged car theft before an Igbosere High Court.
Iyanya was arraigned on one count on February 4 before Justice Mobolanle Okikiolu-Ighile.
According to The Nation, the Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) in Ikoyi, Lagos filed the charge marked LD/9024c/2019 against the singer on March 15, 2019.
Iyanya did not appear in court for arraignment despite allegedly being served with the charge and hearing notice.
His non-appearance is said to have led the court to adjourn six times.
At the last adjournment, Justice Okikiolu-Ighile threatened to invoke the power of the court to ensure Iyanya’s attendance to take his plea.
Iyanya, however, appeared in court on February 4 and pleaded not guilty.
Police prosecutor, Chukwu Agwu alleged that Iyanya committed the offence in September 2018.
He told the court that the defendant allegedly dishonestly converted to his use or of another person, a Black Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) marked MAVINIY, with Chassis and Engine numbers JTEBX7FJ7EK165480 and 2TR1385954.
The court also heard that the said vehicle belongs to The Temple Management Company Ltd, represented by a lawyer, Ayodeji Olomojobi.
The alleged offence, the prosecutor said, contravenes Sections 278(1) (b), 279(1)(2) and punishable under Section 285(10) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
Justice Okikiolu-Ighile released Iyanya to his counsel who took an undertaking to produce him in court on the next adjournment.
The case was adjourned till February 27 and March 17 for ruling on Iyanya’s bail application and commencement of trial.
