Bricklayer Jailed Five Years for Stealing in Ekiti

Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti

An Ekiti State Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Ado Ekiti has sentenced a bricklayer operating in the state, M. Agunbiade Soji, to five years imprisonment.

The 24-year old was tried for two-count charge of felony and stealing.

Delivering his judgment yesterday, the Chief Magistrate Mojisola Salau, said: “On count one, the defendant is sentenced to two years imprisonment with N20, 000 as option of fine.

“On count two, he is sentenced to three years imprisonment with N30,000 as option of fine. The terms are to run concurrently.”

The magistrate gave the verdict having listened to the submissions of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Prosecutor, Mr. Oluwanifesimi Iyaniwura, and that of the defendant who prayed the court to tamper justice with mercy.

Soji was charged on October 17, 2021, in Ilawe Ekiti for breaking into the dwelling houses of Alonge Olarewaju and Olowokere Peter through the ceiling and carted away their belongings, including foodstuff and a sum of N61, 000.

The offences run contrary to and punishable under section 411 and 412 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C39, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

In his testimony before the court, one of the victims said, he saw the defendant on his ceiling, watching people’s movement in and out of the compound, and quickly shouted for help.

He said his outcries had attracted his neighbours who eventually arrested and handed him to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp.

To prove his case, Mr. Iyaniwura called three witnesses and tendered the defendant’s statements among others as exhibits.

He urged the court to allow law to take its course, to serve as deterrent to others, he added.