By Precious Owolabi, Ado-Ekiti

A 26-year old scavenger, Isah Mohammad, has been sentenced to two years imprisonment by an Ado-Ekiti Magistrate Court for stealing iron rods valued at N200,000.

Magistrate Olatomiwa Daramola handed down the judgement after the convict was found guilty of one-count charge of stealing, contrary to Section 302 of the Criminal Laws of Ekiti State, 2021.

Mohammad, who was arraigned on August 19, 2024, was said to have committed the offence on July 30, 2024, at a construction site located along New Iyin Road in Ado Ekiti.

According to the charge, the defendant stole iron rods meant for the construction of a building belonging to one Adejibola Ademola.

In his testimony, the site supervisor, Ezekiel Akinola, told the court that the building, which had reached lintel level, had the iron rods kept on site for continuation of work.

However, upon visiting the site on August 8, 2024, he discovered that all the rods had been carted away.

“The defendant and his gang have been a menace to the community. They have caused sleepless nights for residents,” Akinola stated.

To establish the case, the prosecutor, Inspector Adeoye Adesegun, called four witnesses and presented the defendant’s confessional statements as well as the recovered iron rods as exhibits.

The defence counsel, Lanre Oluwasola Esq., did not call any witness on behalf of the defendant.

Delivering judgement, Magistrate Daramola said the prosecution had successfully proved the case beyond reasonable doubt, stressing that the circumstantial evidence clearly implicated the defendant.

“The fact and circumstances of this case clearly point to the guilt of the defendant. I hold that the prosecution has proved the offence as charged. The issue for determination is resolved in favour of the prosecution. The defendant is hereby convicted as charged,” he ruled.

He subsequently sentenced Mohammad to two years imprisonment with an option of N5,000 fine. The sentence, according to the court, is to run from the date of his initial remand.