A salesgirl, Mariam Mufutau, who allegedly stole N553, 956, 000 from Shoprite stores in Eti-Osa, Lagos, was on Friday charged before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.

She is standing trial on a two -count charge of stealing.

According to the police, the N553.9 million was the proceeds of sales realised by Mufutau one month after she secured employment in the firm.

Police prosecutor, Esther Adesulu, informed the court in charge No: J/38/2017 that the defendant committed the alleged offence between April and May, 2017 at Shoprite Stores, Eti-Osa, during working hours.

Adesulu alleged that the defenfant failed to remit the money into her employer’s account.

She said the company’s management uncovered the fraud when they audited their accounts.

The offence, she added, was punishable under sections 411 and 287 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Magistrate O.O Owunmi granted her bail in the sum of N300, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

He adjourned the case till July 28.