A 26-year-old man, Austin Odey, who allegedly fled after staking a game of N400,000 at a Bet9ja office, on Wednesday appeared in a Surulere Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State.

Odey who was arraigned on a count of stealing, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecutor, Insp. Courage Ekhueorohan, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on March 21 at No. 9 Marsha St., Surulere, Lagos State.

Ekhueorohan alleged that after Odey had bet on a game worth N400, 000 at the Bet9ja office, he absconded without making payment.

The prosecutor noted that the offence contravened the provision of Section 315 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The Magistrate, Mrs M. I. Dan-Oni, granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

She ordered that the sureties must be gainfully employed and show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

Dan-Oni adjourned the case till April 8, for further hearing.

-NAN