By Similola Awolusi
A 36-year-old woman named Nafisat Raji has been sentenced to a 12 months imprisonment for stealing a Tecno phone valued fifteen thousand naira only.
The accused was arraigned before the court over the alleged theft. It was stated that on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at about 11am, the accused person stole a Tecno phone valued fifteen thousand naira, property of one Rofisat Bolaji at Tinumola Estate, Osogbo thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 390 of the Criminal code Cap 34 Vol. II Laws of Osun Nigeria 2003. The accused, however, plead guilty.
When questioned by the Magistrate, Mrs O. A Oloyade about herself, the accused maintained that she is a tailor but also sells pure water and table water in Ede where she hails from and resides. She also stated that she is an orphan, although separated from her husband who is remarried. She also has three kids for him who are presently with their paternal grandmother.
The Prosecutor, Inspector Abiodun Fagboyinbo stated that this is not the first time the accused would be reprimanded for the same offense. He stated that she was once arraigned for stealing a phone but was cautioned and freed. He further stated that the accused person was said to have entered into the shop of Rofisat Bolaji to steal the Tecno phone. However, she was chased by people in the neighborhood, arrested by the police and the said phone was recovered. The phone which was confirmed by the accused was therefore tendered as an exhibit. The statement of the accused when taken to the police station was also shown to the court and admitted by the judge.
The accused confirmed the allegation and plead for forgiveness amidst tears. She said she didn’t understand her actions and doesn’t know what made her act that way. She begged continuously saying it was “ogun” which she has been praying against and that she would never do such.
However the Defense Counsel, pleaded to the judge to tamper justice with mercy especially because of the kids in her custody including her 2 year old child. The Magistrate however replied that the welfare of the kids is paramount and that the accused is not fit to raise the children, therefore the father or paternal grandmother would take care of them.
The Magistrate, therefore, stated that the phone be released to the owner and found the accused guilty therefore sentencing her to 12 months imprisonment or a fine of ten thousand naira.
Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @osundotlife
Advertising on osun.life targets thousands of readers every day from Osun State and from all over the world. With a direct weekly reach of 70,000 and extended weekly reach of 200,000. Call Raphael on 07034651034 or check our rates page
Have a scoop or story suggestion that osun.life should cover? You can email your tip to us directly at editor@osun.life. We will respect your anonymity.