A Dutse Magistrates’ Court in Abuja, on Monday, discharged and acquitted an unemployed man, Chukwudi Ogbu, of alleged theft from a barber shop.

Mr Ogbu was discharged and acquitted following an appeal by the complainant, Monday Haruna.

Mr Haruna had appealed to the court to release Mr Ogbu from the correctional centre on compassionate grounds.

Mr Ogbu, who has no fixed address, was standing trial on charges bordering on criminal trespass, shop breaking and theft.

The prosecuting counsel, Babajide Olanipekun, told the court that Mr Ogbu committed the offences sometime in May.

Mr Olanipekun said the matter was reported at the Kubwa Police Station, Abuja.

He alleged that Mr Ogbu criminally entered a barber shop at Kukwuaba, Kubwa, Abuja, managed by the complainant.

The prosecutor alleged that Mr Ogbu stole two generator sets and other electronic items valued at about N420,000.

He further alleged that Mr Ogbu returned to the same shop weeks later and was arrested while attempting to steal electric wires.

He told the court that the offences contravened Sections 342, 346 and 287 of the Penal Code Law.

The Senior Magistrate, Evelyn Dara, subsequently discharged and acquitted Mr Ogbu.

Ms Dara, however, advised the defendant to be of good behaviour, warning him against returning to crime.

She said Mr Ogbu might not be as fortunate if he were caught stealing again, adding that he could become a victim of jungle justice.

(NAN)