By Similola Awolusi
An Osun State Magistrate Court sitting in Osogbo has convicted and sentenced a 30-year-old man, Oladejo Wasiu to six months imprisonment for housebreaking and stealing.
The convict who was arraigned on April 2, 2018, faced a four-count charge with two other accused persons, Faleye Azeez, 26 and Salihu Jelili, 35 to which they pleaded not guilty.
Meanwhile, the convict and other accused persons were granted bail but the convict was later remanded to Ilesha prison custody when he couldn’t meet his bail conditions. The other accused persons, however, met theirs.
It was gathered that the accused person and others at large on the 14th day of March at Alabameta area in Osogbo conspired to commit felony to wit housebreaking and stealing thereby committing an offense contrary to and punishable under Section 516 of three Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. II Laws of Osun State Nigeria 2003.
The Prosecutor, Inspector Olayiwola Razaq informed the court that the convict and others at large entered into the dwelling house of one Alhaja Alimont Olore and carted away property and cash.
He further explained that the property stolen by Wasiu includes; 21 bundles of Ankara cloth, 5 bundles of Guinea brocade cloths, 16 bundles of lace materials, 7 pieces of baby wear, 3 pieces of baby seal, pack of baby handkerchief, 1 LG DVD player, 2 cartons of DVD and VCD cassettes , jewelries and others, including cash sum of N144,000. The property which was recovered was therefore tendered with the convict’s statement and motorcycle as exhibits before the court.
The convict who had no legal representation admitted to the crime and pleaded to be pardoned. He also informed the court that the other accused persons had no hands in the crime. He stated that Azeez was his herbalist who did protective charms for him for free.
However the Magistrate, Mrs. O. A Oloyade discharged Faleye Azeez and Salihu Jelili stating that they were innocent and should desist from bad company. She, therefore, convicted Oladejo Wasiu on the four-count charge and sentenced him to 6 months imprisonment on each country with an option of N5,000 based on the fact that he had been in prison custody since he was arraigned.
She also ordered the release of the property recovered from the convict to the owner and the release of the motorcycle to the convict after serving his jail term.
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