22nd September, 2011
A female clerk, Miss Tochi Iwuagwu has been sentenced to two years imprisonment without an option of fine by an Ebute-Meta Magistrates’ Court, Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria, for stealing.
Iwuagwu, according to the prosecutor, Inspector Ezekiel Ayorinde, on 6 July, 2007 stole N2.5 million meant for clearing of goods imported by her boss, Mr. Anthony Chukwuka, a businessman.
Prior to the incident, the convict had told her boss that she would not be available for work, only for her to go to the office and steal the money.
The prosecutor said that the convict admitted stealing the money after she was interrogated by the police.
She was first arraigned before the court on 24 August, 2007 on a three-count charge of conspiracy, burglary and stealing, offences punishable under Sections 516, 390(9) and 411 of the Criminal Code, Cap.C.17, Vol. 11, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.
During her trial, the convict told the court that she was under a spell, adding that she was approached by unknown persons who ordered her to bring the money.
Delivering judgement, the trial magistrate, Mrs. F. B. Lawal, discharged the convict of conspiracy charge and found her guilty of burglary and stealing.
She sentenced her to two-year imprisonment for burglary and stealing without an option of fine.
Iwuagwu will, however, spend one year in jail because the sentences are to run concurrently.
—Paul Sanusi