An Ekiti State Magistrate Court, has sentenced a middle-aged man identified as Saidu Abass, to three years and nine months in prison for theft.
The convict was arrested by police in the state for stealing household items including a fan, pressing iron and drum set from a woman’s house.
Police prosecutor, Inspector Raymond Osas, told the court that Abass unlawfully entered the residence of one Mrs Ademurele Bamidele at Agric Olope in Ado Ekiti.
He said the offences committed by the defendant and others at large are punishable under Sections 421, 323, 302, and 120(b) of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.
Abass was arraigned before the court in Ado Ekiti on four counts of conspiracy, breaking into a dwelling house, stealing and escape from lawful custody.
The charge sheet read; “Abass, one Emmanuel and others now at large on 15th May, 2024 at 5pm conspired and unlawfully entered the dwelling house of one Mrs Ademurele Bamidele located behind a gospel church at Agric Olope in Ado Ekiti.
“During the operation, the convict and his accomplices stole an Ox fan, fridge engine, palm oil, fan switch, drum set, iron, microphones, extension socket and table bell.
Police prosecutor said; “The defendant and others now at large were seen in action at the scene. While he was arrested, others escaped with the stolen properties.
“He was taken to the police station where he escaped from lawful custody under a woman police. After thorough search, he was rearrested on June 4, 2024 and later arraigned that day.”
Osas urged the court to give the defendant his deserved punishment for the offence. The accused who had no legal representation, pleaded guilty to the charge.
Delivering judgment, Magistrate Olatomiwa Daramola said; “For conspiracy, he (the defendant) is sentenced to three months imprisonment with N2,000 option of fine; one year imprisonment for breaking into a dwelling house with N3,000 option of fine; two years imprisonment for stealing with N5,000 option of fine and six months imprisonment for escape from lawful custody with N2000 option of fine.”
Daramola also said the prison terms handed down to Abass are to run concurrently while the fines are to run consecutively.
