3rd February, 2022
By Chinyere Omeire
Justice Mobolanle Okikiolu-Ighile of a Lagos High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square, on Thursday, sentenced one Olatunde Ajayi to 10 years’ imprisonment for stealing and demanding property with threat.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ajayi was first arraigned on Sept. 9, 2020.
He pleaded not guilty then and was remanded.
The convict was re-arraigned on Feb. 3 (Thursday) and he pleaded guilty under plea bargain agreement.
Okikiolu-Ighile held that the sentence was in line with Section 76 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State, 2011.
“The court has ascertained from the defendant that he entered into the plea bargain agreement on his own free volition, free from any coercion.
“I have considered the plea bargain and sentencing agreement which was agreed and duly executed between the parties.
“I am persuaded that the terms of the agreement are not only fair but just.
“Having found you guilty on the two-count amended charge, I therefore sentence you to 10 years’ imprisonment with effect from the time of remand,” she held.
The judge held that Ajayi should be further remanded at the Kikiikiri Correctional Centre until the expiration of his jail term.
Okikiolu-Ighile advised the convict to learn a trade so that he could be meaningfully engaged after incarceration.
Earlier, prosecution counsel, Mrs Oladoke Shomibare-Amachree, old the court that Ajayi committed the offence on Aug. 11, 2016, at 4.40 a.m. on Bayo Kuku Street, Ikoyi, Lagos.
She said that Ajayi stole some personal items from one Mrs Tanwa Famiakinwa.
According to the prosecutor, Ajayi demanded for the items with threat to injure the complainant.
She listed the stolen items to include a handbag containing an Android phone, a Sterling Bank Automaated Teller Machine (ATM) card, a Diamond Bank ATM, a Fidelity Bank ATM, shoes, keys and N15,000.
She said that the offences contravened Section 296 (5) (a) and 301 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The counsel said that prosecution entered into a plea bargain agreement with the defendants.
“We are aware that this court is not bound by the plea bargain agreement.
“In view of plea of guilt of the defendant and the plea bargain agreement, we urge the court to accept same and make it the judgment of this court,” she submitted.
Counsel to the defendant, Mr B. C. Mbam, aligned with the submission of the prosecution counsel, and urged the court to accept the plea bargain agreement. (