Lagos, March 12, 2024 – In a shocking turn of events that has gripped the city of Lagos, Victor Abayomi, who until recently served as the active chef for Akinwunmi Ambode, the former Governor of Lagos State, has been taken into custody. The case took a dramatic twist when the Sabo-Yaba Magistrates’ Court, led by Chief Magistrate Peter Nwaka, ordered Abayomi’s remand at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre for a 30-day period pending further investigation into the case.
The allegations against Abayomi are serious, accusing him of stealing items worth millions of Naira from Ambode’s prestigious Ikoyi residence. Facing a two-count charge that includes conspiracy and theft, the gravity of the situation reflects the substantial nature of the items reported missing.
Represented by Joshua Babalola, a legal officer with the State Security Service (SSS), the prosecution provided a narrative of the events leading to Abayomi’s arrest. It was alleged that Abayomi, in collusion with others who are yet to be apprehended, executed a theft of valuable items from the ex-governor’s home. Following the incident, Abayomi reportedly escaped to Old Garage in Molorundo Local Government Area, Osun State, where he was ultimately captured by Ambode’s security team on March 7.
This incident has sparked a broader conversation on the security protocols surrounding individuals of high societal standing and the integrity of those in their employ. If the allegations are proven, Abayomi faces significant legal consequences, highlighting the stringent regulations against theft and conspiracy outlined in the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The legal community and public alike are now keenly focused on the developments of this case, with the next court hearing scheduled for April 8. This will provide time for an exhaustive investigation and the compilation of essential facts central to the allegations. This case not only brings to the forefront the challenges faced by public figures in ensuring personal security but also acts as a stark reminder of the implications of breaching trust within such privileged positions in Lagos State.
