By Similoluwa Ayibiowu, Charity Michael, and Precious Orunduyi

An Akure Magistrate’s Court has arraigned three suspects, including a 15-year old boy, over alleged involvement in a series of burglary and theft cases across the city.

The defendants, Mayowa Omodegbaro, a minor; Yusuf Kamiliu, 28, and Oluwatosin Iyanu, 20, were charged on seven counts relating to housebreaking, stealing and receiving stolen goods.

According to the police prosecutor, Augustine Omenime, the offences occurred in various parts of Akure, notably Kolawole Esho Estate and the Agagu Water area near Olu Foam.

The prosecutor stated that Omodegbaro allegedly broke into three houses between August 22 and 23, 2024, stealing two iPhone 13 Pro Max phones valued at more than one million naira.

He was also accused of selling the stolen devices to his co-defendants, Kamiliu and Iyanu.

The minor was further accused of stealing an iPhone X Max worth N300,000 belonging to one Adeyemi Adebayo, on August 28.

On the same day, all the three suspects allegedly forced their way into the residence of Paul Onipede, and made away with a Samsung X9 Plus phone valued at N190,000 and a Tecno 8C phone worth N83,000.

The offences committed are punishable under Sections 517, 411(1)(2), 427 and 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Volume 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

The prosecution sought the remand of Omodegbaro, describing him as the ringleader of the burglary ring.

However, the defence counsel opposed it, emphasising the accused’s status as a minor under the law.

Following submissions from both sides, the presiding Magistrate, Taiwo Lebi, adjourned the case to July 3, 2025, for further hearing.