By Oluwadamilola Akinduro

An Akure Magistrates’ Court has sentenced a man, Ibuchi Eze, to four years in prison, for burgling a shop in Oda town, within the Akure metropolis.

The prosecution told the court that Eze broke into the shop of one Victoria Ajayi at Pelebe Junction on October 21, 2024, around 11:15 p.m., with the intent to steal, doing so without the owner’s consent.

The state prosecutor, N.J. Osele, informed the court that Eze’s actions violated Section 413 of the Criminal Code Cap 37 Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.

When the charge was read, Eze pleaded guilty, admitting his intent to break into the shop.

Following his guilty plea, the prosecutor urged the court to impose an appropriate sentence, citing the clear facts of the case.

In a plea for leniency, Eze explained that his actions stemmed from frustration. He claimed that the complainant’s brother owed him money, but had refused to settle the debt, which led him to target the shop of his elder sister.

Magistrate T.I. Ayodele-James sentenced Eze to four years’ imprisonment without an option of fine, emphasising the seriousness of his actions.