Seven persons, including four employees of `Mr Biggs’ and three others, were arraigned in Lagos on Monday for stealing food items from the Broad Street branch of the eatery.

The accused are: Shaheed Owolabi (30), Ajayi Olarewaju (29), Chukwuemeka Daniel (27), Isaiah Stephen (19), Rotimi ‎Oyedunmade (33), Abiodun Ernest (40) and Idris Ibrahim (30).

They are facing a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing and receipt of stolen goods, before an Igbosere Chief Magistrates’ Court.

The prosecutor, Insp. Igobo Emby, told the court that Owolabi and Ajayi, who were Mr Biggs employees, stole 10 bags of chicken, four gallons of vegetable oil, 30 creates of eggs, five bags of rice and ten tubers of yam, all valued at N500,000.

“Ernest, Oyedunmade and Ibrahim, employees of the Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, received four gallons of vegetable oil and ten creates of eggs, all valued at N48,000.

“They received the items from Owolabi, an employee of Mr Biggs, knowing that the property was stolen,” the prosecutor said.

He said that Chukuemeka and Stephen, who were security guards attached to the eatery, failed to prevent Owolabi and Ajayi from stealing from the company.

Emby said that the offences contravened Sections 285(7) 326, 408 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

They all pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Magistrate, Mr A. Adekomaiya, granted the accused N400,000 bail each, with two sureties in like sum.

He adjourned the case to Sept. 19, for mention. (NAN)