An Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, has sentenced a carpenter Emeka Okonkwo to 16 months imprisonment for stealing phones and cash worth N80,000.
Magistrate P. A. Adekomaiya convicted Okonkwo following his plea of guilt to a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and receiving stolen properties.
Adekomaiya sentenced Okonkwo without an option of fine.
Okonkwo, 32, was arraigned by the police last November 7, alongside Isaac Ibrahim, 55.
Prosecuting Sergeant Peace Chukwudi said the defendants committed the alleged offences last November 5, at about 10pm, at Elf Bus Stop, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.
She said they stole recharge cards valued at N50, 000 and a cash sum of N30, 000, belonging to the complainant, Mrs Ima Jack.
According to her, the offences contravened sections 287, 329 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Okonkwo pleaded guilty.
Ibrahim denied the charge and was granted N200,000 bail with two sureties in the like sum.
Before Magistrate Adekomaiya passed judgment on Okonkwo on Thursday, Chukwudi reviewed the facts of the case.
She said that Okonkwo stole the recharge cards when he went to the complainant’s shop, a food vendor to buy food.
According to the prosecutor, Okonkwo gained access to the complainant’s bag where the recharge cards were kept and stole them with the said money.
She said: “Okonkwo sold the stolen items to the second accused, Ibrahim.”
Magistrate Adekomaiya adjourned till April 12, for the second defendant’s trial.
