NAN-H-13
Sentence
By Deborah Akpede
Lagos, April 20, 2017 (NAN) A 22-year-old unemployed man, Sodiq Lukmon, is to spend the next 18 months in jail for stealing three mobile phones valued at N65,000, an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court ruled on Thursday.
The Magistrate, Mrs Y.O. Ekogbule, pronounced the verdict after Lukmon pleaded guilty to a two-count charge bordering on stealing.
Ekogbule sentenced Lukmon without an option of fine, but with hard labour.
“You are hereby sentenced to 18 months imprisonment with hard labour without an option of fine,” she said.
Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp. Clement Okuoimose told the court that the accused committed the offences on April 16 at Jayeola Street, Agege, Lagos.
He said the accused burgled the apartment of Mr Tajudeen Ishola, the complainant and stole three phones.
The accused stole Nokia phone valued at N20, 000, a Samsung phone worth N30, 000 and a Techno, worth N15, 000.
Okuoimose said the accused entered the complainant’s apartment through the window after destroying the burglar proof.
“Unfortunately for the accused, one of the complainant’s neighbours sighted him when he jumped out through the window and raised alarm.
“Some other neighbours rushed out and gave the accused a hot chase and apprehended him.
“The complainant was in church when he was called by a neighbour to rush home that a thief had entered his apartment.
“When the complainant got home, he met the accused and a search was conducted on him and the three phones were recovered from him,” he said.
The offences contravened Sections 287 and 307 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the accused had pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, saying “ the devil led me to stealing.’’ (NAN)
DOA/EOB/DA
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Edited by Edith Bolokor/Dele Akinsola