By Samuel Kolawole
A 20-year old security guard, Oto-Abasi Joseph Etim, has been sentenced to two years’ imprisonment by an Akure Magistrate’s Court, for stealing electronic devices and other property valued at N920,000.
Etim was arraigned before Magistrate Damilola Sekoni, on two counts bordering on stealing and unlawful entry into a dwelling.
The prosecution, led by Moses Osimen, told the court that the defendant, on May 16, 2026, at about 11am, allegedly stole a Dell mini laptop, Huawei Tab/iPad, Samsung A30 phone, Tecno Spark 40 phone, AirPod, power bank, laptop bag, laptop charger, Redmi charger, two pairs of slippers, a First Bank cheque book and clothes belonging to Prophetess Onifade Modupe.
The items were allegedly stolen from Plot 10, Block 5, Fashoranti Lane, Alagbaka Extension, Akure, and were valued at N920,000.
The charge sheet stated that the defendant also unlawfully entered the dwelling of the complainant with the intention of committing an offence.
The offences were said to be contrary to Sections 383 and 412 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. 37, Volume 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006, with the stealing count punishable under Section 390(8) of the same law.
Etim pleaded guilty to the two counts after they were read and explained to him.
His counsel, Bosede Adeyemi, urged the court to temper justice with mercy, describing the defendant as a first-time offender.
The prosecution said some of the stolen items, including a laptop, Samsung phone, power bank, iPad, laptop bag and clothes, were recovered from the defendant, with an estimated value of N420,000.
The court subsequently sentenced Etim to two years’ imprisonment.