I Am A Thief, Man Tells Judge

A self- confessed criminal who narrowly escaped being killed by a mob after he snatched a bag containing N2,000, has confessed at a Lagos court that he was actually a thief as police alleged.

He pleaded guilty to the one-count charge of stealing for which he was docked before an Ejigbo Magistrates, Court in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.

The suspect, Samuel Rufus, 23, said he had no other job and could not do any other work except stealing because he makes quick money from the business.

He did not plead for leniency or show any remorse before the court on the offence he committed.

Rufus was mobbed for snatching a purse belonging to Mrs. Comfort Salisu at Igando bus stop, Lagos.

He was caught in the act while he attempted to escape and was beaten up mercilessly. However, he was rescued by a team of police officers before the mob could lynch him.

Rufus was rushed to Igando General Hospital where he was treated.

The police later charged him to court for Stealing punishable under Section 390 of the Criminal Code Cap 17 Vol. 2 Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria.

When the matter came up at the court, he pleaded not guilty.

The presiding Magistrate, Mrs. S. O. Solebo adjourned the matter for facts and sentence.

—Cyriacus Izuekwe