Man gets four months for stealing student’s bag

A 27-year-old man, Tope Akande, was yesterday arraigned at an Ibadan North Grace ‘C’ Customary Court in Gbaremu, Ijokodo, Ibadan.

He was accused of stealing a bag, worth N2,000, belonging to Miss Damilola Akindoyin, a student of The Polytechnic, Ibadan.

Akande, who was sentenced to four months’ imprisonment or an option of N4,000 fine, was arraigned on a two-count charge.

Prosecutor Kroseide Obehi told the court the accused was arrested at The Polytechnic, Ibadan on May 7.

The charge sheet reads: “That you Tope Akande “m” on the 7th day of May at The Polytechnic, Ibadan in the jurisdiction of Grade “C” Customary Court sitting in Gbaremu, Ijokodo, Ibadan did enter into The Polytechnic, Ibadan with intent to commit felony to wit stealing and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 509 of the Criminal Code Cap 38 Vol.11 Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria 2000.

“That you Tope Akande “m” on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned Grade “C” Customary Court, did steal a student’s bag valued at N2,000, property of Akindoyin Damilola, thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 390 (9) Cap 38 Vol.11 Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria 2000.”

Akande, who pleaded guilty, begged the court for mercy.

He said: “I want to plead for mercy. I will not do it again.”

Court President Mr. Edward Fadugba sentenced the accused to four months’ imprisonment or an option of N4,000 fine.

He said: “This court, having realised that you are guilty, has sentenced you to four months’ imprisonment or an option of N4,000 fine.”