An Ekiti State Magistrate Court, Ado Ekiti Division has sentenced a middle-aged man, Saidu Abass, to 45 months imprisonment for stealing household items including a fan, iron and drum set from a house.

Abass was arraigned before the court on four counts of conspiracy, breaking into a dwelling house, stealing and escape from lawful custody.

According to the charge, 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.

The charge stated that “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.

The prosecutor, Inspector Raymond Osas, 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.

The prosecutor urged the court to give the defendant his deserved punishment for the offence committed.

The defendant (Abass), who had no legal representation, pleaded guilty when the charge was read, interpreted and explained to him.

In the judgment delivered on Thursday and made available on Tuesday, Magistrate Olatomiwa Daramola said, “The defendant, having pleaded guilty and admitted to the commission of the offence of conspiracy, breaking into a dwelling house, stealing and escape from a lawful custody, this court is left with no option than to sentence him upon his earlier conviction by this court”.

The magistrate, in the verdict, 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.

“The terms are to run concurrently while the fines are to run consecutively”, Daramola said. (The PUNCH)

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