NAN-H-35
Scavenger
By Nana Musa
Abuja April 13, 2017 (NAN) A Grade 1 Area Court, Kado, Abuja, on Thursday sentenced a 19-year-old scavenger, Mohammed Muktari, to seven months in prison for two-count of criminal trespass and theft.
The Presiding Judge, Alhaji Ahmed Ado, however, gave him an option of payment of N7, 000 fine.
Ado warned the convict to desist from committing crimes, adding that his conviction would serve as a deterrent to other would-be offenders.
Muktari, who worked around the refuse dump site in Banex, Abuja, had prayed the court to temper justice with mercy.
He said he indulged in crime because he had been experiencing hard times in his business and needed money urgently.
Earlier, the prosecutor, Judith Obatomi, told the court that Mr Emmanuel Onuegbu, Chief Security Officer, City Chapel, All Christian Practical Prayer Band, Katampe, Abuja, reported the matter.
He said that Onuegbu reported the matter at the Mabushi Police Station Abuja, on April 8.
Obatomi also said on April 6, the convict trespassed into the residential area of the church and stole some items, including two Infinix phone and one Nokia phone.
The prosecutor said that the convict also stole two gas cylinders, adding that the total value of all the stolen items was N200, 000.
H further said the convict had confessed to the crime during police investigation.
The prosecutor said that the offence was punishable under Sections 348 and 288 of the Penal Code. (NAN)
NHM/EMO/DUA
Edited by Ejike Obeta/Dada Ahmed