The Ekiti State Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti Division has sentenced Saidu Abass, a middle-aged man, to 45 months in prison for the theft of various household items, including a fan, iron, and drum set, from a local residence.
Abass faced charges on four counts: conspiracy, breaking and entering, theft, and escape from lawful custody. These charges, punishable under Sections 421, 323, 302, and 120(b) of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021, outlined his involvement in the crime.
The court’s charge sheet revealed that on May 15, 2024, at approximately 5 PM, Abass, along with an accomplice named Emmanuel and other unidentified individuals, unlawfully entered the home of Mrs. Ademurele Bamidele. Her residence, situated behind a gospel church in Agric Olope, Ado Ekiti, was the target of the burglary. During this incident, the group stole various items, including an Ox fan, a fridge engine, palm oil, fan switch, drum set, iron, microphones, extension socket, and table bell.
Inspector Raymond Osas, the prosecutor, reported that Abass and his accomplices were caught in the act. While Abass was apprehended, the others fled with the stolen goods. During his detention at the police station, Abass managed to escape but was subsequently rearrested on June 4, 2024, and arraigned on the same day.
The prosecution urged the court to impose a fitting punishment for Abass’s crimes. Lacking legal representation, Abass pleaded guilty to the charges when they were read and explained to him.
In her verdict delivered on Thursday and released publicly on Tuesday, Magistrate Olatomiwa Daramola stated, “The defendant, having pleaded guilty and admitted to the commission of the offences of conspiracy, breaking into a dwelling house, stealing, and escape from lawful custody, this court is left with no option but to sentence him.”
Magistrate Daramola’s judgment included the following sentences: three months imprisonment with a N2,000 fine for conspiracy, one year imprisonment with a N3,000 fine for breaking and entering, two years imprisonment with a N5,000 fine for theft, and six months imprisonment with a N2,000 fine for escaping lawful custody. The imprisonment terms are to run concurrently, while the fines are to be paid consecutively.
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