Nigeria From the Kitchen to Court: Ex-Lagos Governor's Chef Remanded in Prison Over Property Theft Charges

Victor Abayomi, the former chef to Akinwunmi Ambode, the ex-governor of Lagos State, finds himself behind bars, accused of stealing valuables worth millions at the politician's Ikoyi residence. The once-trusted culinary aide was presented before the Yaba Magistrate court by the State Security Service (SSS) on charges of conspiracy and theft.

The court proceedings revealed that Abayomi, along with unidentified accomplices still at large, allegedly orchestrated a conspiracy leading to the theft of valuable items from the ex-governor's Ikoyi residence. Joshua Babalola, the prosecuting counsel representing the SSS, detailed the accusations during Abayomi's arraignment. Babalola informed the court that the accused had fled to Old Garage in the Molorundo Local Government Area of Osun State, where he was apprehended on March 7, 2024.

The charges against Abayomi are grounded in Sections 287 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, relating to theft and conspiracy. The gravity of the alleged offenses prompted the Magistrate to order the former chef's remand at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre for 30 days. The case has been adjourned until April 8, 2024, allowing time for further investigation and the presentation of facts.