Three charged in Ksh.3M M-Kopa phone unlocking syndicate

The suspects — Jeremiah Njoroge, Marvine Wanguno, and Victor Kimani — pleaded not guilty to five counts, including theft and handling suspected stolen property.

According to the charge sheet, the trio allegedly stole six mobile phones on August 4, 2025, from M-Kopa Kenya Limited. The devices, valued at KSh 800,000, included two Samsung A13s, a Samsung A12, Samsung A03s, Samsung S24, and a Nokia GS0.

On the same day, they are also accused of stealing three high-end smartphones — a Samsung Note 20 Ultra, a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, and another Samsung Note 20 — worth KSh 1 million, the property of Mophone Kenya Limited.

An alternative charge alleges the accused dishonestly received or retained four mobile phones — a Samsung A04s, Samsung A05, and two Samsung A03s — collectively worth KSh 1.2 million and belonging to Watu Credit, knowing or suspecting they were stolen.

Investigators say the men were arrested at a shop along Tom Mboya Street, Nairobi, after a tip-off, and were found in possession of five M-Kopa phones allegedly undergoing unlawful unlocking.

Defence lawyers urged the court to grant lenient bail, arguing that the proposed KSh 1 million cash bail was excessive and requested a pre-bail report.

Milimani Chief Magistrate Dolphina Alego released each accused on a bond of KSh 2 million or cash bail of KSh 1 million. The case is set for mention on August 27, 2025, before Court 3 for pre-trial.