Man jailed four months with hard labour for stealing suit jacket

A 29 year old man has been sentenced to four months imprisonment with hard labour for stealing a suit jacket.

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The convict was arraigned before Magistrate Bankole Oluwasanmi on 21st March, 2024, on a one-count charge bordering on stealing.

The charge reads: “That you Olu Gbenga of Bus Terminal, Old Garage, Ado Ekiti on 26th December, 2023 at about 4:00 p.m. at Oluwatedo Community, Ado Ekiti in the Ado Ekiti Magisterial District, did steal one Jacket Cloth valued N80, 000.00 that was spread on the rope, property of Babatunde Bagilaje.”

According to the charge, the offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 302 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.

The charge was read and interpreted to the convict in Yoruba language, and he pleaded guilty.

In his statement to the police, the complainant said: ‘I spread my suit jacket and trouser on the rope in front of my house. In the evening I could not find the jacket, I searched for it but it was nowhere to be found.

“On 19th March, 2024, along Ilawe Road, I saw the defendant wearing the jacket. I confronted him, at first, he denied the allegation, I took him to my community with the help of some passersby, I showed him the jacket’s trouser, he later confessed to have stolen it when he came to paint a house in the neighbourhood. He was later handed over to the Police.*

To prove his case, the prosecutor, Inspector Elijah Adejare called one witness and tendered the jacket, as well as the statements of the defendant and complainant, as exhibits.

The defendant, who had earlier pleaded guilty, prayed the court to temper justice with mercy.

In his judgment, Magistrate Oluwasanmi Bakole said, “I am under no doubts whatsoever that the accused actually executed the act complained of and positively admits the same.

“I find him culpable of the single count offence on the charge. The accused is hereby sentenced to a four months custodial term with hard labour at the Federal Correctional centre facility, Ado Ekiti, commencing from 21st day of March, 2024.

“The suit jacket shall be returned forthwith to its legitimate and lawful owner, Babatunde Bagilaje for his continued possession.”