Ex-Convict Jailed Again

Abiodun Onafuye/Abeokuta

An ex-convict, Saheed Akangbe, 23, has been sentenced to two years imprisonment by an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court, Isabo, Abeokuta.

The accused alongside others at large were alleged to have stolen a Bajaj motorcycle with registration number OGUN FFF 187QC, valued N115,000 belonging to Lawal Hammed on 19 May 2014 at Obada-Oko area of Abeokuta.

He was arraigned before the court on 26 May on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing. He pleaded guilty to the charge.

Prosecutor, ASP Banji Sangotokun, said the offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 516 and Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ogun State of Nigeria, 2006.

The Chief Magistrate, Anthony Araba, asked the accused to state the facts of the case himself due to the absence of legal representation.

While stating the facts, the accused admitted that he committed the offence few months after he was released from prison custody for theft.

“I was sentenced to two years imprisonment in 2012 by a magistrate court at Owode-Egba for stealing. I was working as a generator mechanic when I came back from prison and I met a friend that we both left the prison together. He introduced me to robbery again,” he confessed.

The investigating police officer, Moronfolu Olumide, informed the court that the motorcycle which the accused stole was recovered at Ijoko. The motorcycle was tendered as evidence.

Sangotokun, also tendered the conventional statement of the accused.

The presiding magistrate, Anthony Araba, said the law prescribed 14 years imprisonment for the offence but because of the pleading of the accused, he sentenced him to two years imprisonment on each count which he said would run concurrently.

He ordered the release of the motorcycle to the original owner.