NAN-H-33
Mechanic
By Moji Eniola
Ikeja, July 20, 2017 (NAN) A 33-year-old mechanic, Saheed Akeem, was on Thursday discharged and acquitted of a two-count charge of conspiracy and armed robbery by an Ikeja High Court for lack of evidence.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Akeem, of no fixed address, had been in police custody since 2010 for the alleged offence.
Justice Raliatu Adebiyi in her judgment said that the victim of the alleged crime, Miss Damilola Fashayi, was not sure of the identity of the defendant during the trial.
“The testimony of PW1 (Fashayi) did not positively identify the defendant to the court.
“PW1’s evidence was not cogent and was full of inconsistencies.
“The failure of the prosecutor to call the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) was fatal to the prosecution’s case.
“The prosecution has failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt, the charges of conspiracy to commit armed robbery and armed robbery, proffered against the defendant.
“The defendant is hereby discharged of the two-count charge,’’ she said.
NAN reports that the prosecution team led by Mrs O.A. Olugasa, said Shefiu committed the offence at 7.30 p.m on Nov. 19, 2010 with an accomplice, who is presently at large at Zone 2, Onikan, Lagos.
He and his accomplice allegedly robbed Fashayi of her blackberry, Zain and Nokia mobile phones, all valued at N15, 000 as well as N12,000 cash.
The offence, according to the prosecution, was in violation of Sections 402 (2)(a) and 403 (a) of the Criminal Code Law of Lagos State, 2003. (NAN)
MAE/KOLE/PIO
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(Edited by Remi Koleoso/Idonije Obakhedo)