By Victor Akinkuolie, Ado-Ekiti

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A 29-year-old man, Olu Gbenga, was on Tuesday, sentenced to four months imprisonment for stealing suit jacket .

The convict, who claimed to be a printer, was arraigned before Magistrate Bankole Oluwasanmi on March 21, 2024, on one count charge bordering on stealing.

The charge read in part, “That you, Olu Gbenga, of Bus Terminal, Old Garage, Ado-Ekiti on December 26, 2023, at about 4:00 p.m. at Oluwatedo Community, in the Ado Ekiti Magisterial District, did steal one jacket cloth valued at N80,000, that was spread on the rope, property of Babatunde Bagilaje, contrary to and punishable under Section 302 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.

The charge was read and interpreted to the convict in Yoruba language, and he pleaded guilty.

In his statement to the police, the complainant explained, “I spread my suit jacket and trouser on the rope in front of my house. But in the evening, I could not find the jacket. I searched for it, but nowhere to be found it.

“On March 19, 2024 along Ilawe Road, I saw the defendant wearing the jacket, and I confronted him. Initially, he denied the allegation. So, I took him to my community with the help of some passers-by,

“I showed him the jacket’s trouser. He later confessed to have stolen it when he came to paint a house in the neighbourhood. He was later handed over to the police.

To prove his case, the prosecuting Inspector, Elijah Adejare called one witness and tendered the jacket, statements of the defendant and complainant as well as exhibits while the defendant who had earlier pleaded guilty prayed the court to temper justice with mercy.

In his judgment, Magistrate Oluwasanmi Bakole held, “I am under no doubt whatsoever, that the accused actually executed the act complained of and positively admits the same.

“I find him culpable of the single count offence on the charge. The accused is hereby sentenced to four months custodial term with hard labour at the Federal Correctional centre facility, Ado Ekiti, commencing from from March 21, 2024.

“The suit jacket shall be returned forthwith to legitimate and lawful owner, Babatunde Bagilaje for his continued possession.”