Exit Of An Icon: A Tribute To Chief Ezeogo Uma Nchege Nwoke

 

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

Abass faced the court on four counts: conspiracy, breaking into a dwelling house, stealing, and escaping from lawful custody. The offenses, committed by Abass and others at large, are punishable under Sections 421, 323, 302, and 120(b) of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.

According to the charges, "Abass, one Emmanuel, and others now at large on May 15, 2024, at 5 p.m., conspired and unlawfully entered the dwelling house of Mrs. Ademurele Bamidele, located behind a gospel church at Agric Olope in Ado Ekiti." During the operation, Abass and his accomplices stole an Ox fan, fridge engine, palm oil, fan switch, drum set, iron, microphones, extension socket, and table bell.

Inspector Raymond Osas, the prosecutor, stated, "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 officer. After a thorough search, he was rearrested on June 4, 2024, and later arraigned that day."

The prosecutor urged the court to deliver the deserved punishment for the offenses committed. Abass, who had no legal representation, pleaded guilty when the charges were read, interpreted, and explained to him.

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

Daramola sentenced Abass to three months imprisonment with a N2,000 option of fine for conspiracy, one year imprisonment with a N3,000 option of fine for breaking into a dwelling house, two years imprisonment with a N5,000 option of fine for stealing, and six months imprisonment with a N2,000 option of fine for escaping from lawful custody. The terms are to run concurrently, while the fines are to run consecutively.