An Ex-convict, Waris Shoaga, will spend seven years in jail with hard labour for theft, an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court ruled on Friday.

Mr Shoaga was charged on a two-count of conspiracy and possession of stolen items after he was caught with stolen phones and other valuable items.

Magistrate S. S. Sotayo, said that all the evidence presented in court had proved beyond reasonable doubt that the convict was guilty of the offence as charged.

Mr Sotayo, however, sentenced Mr Shoaga to seven years in prison with hard labour and without option of fine.

Earlier, the Prosecutor, Inspector Olaide Rawlings, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on May 28 at about 2:00 p.m., at Rounder area in Abeokuta.

Ms Rawlings, said that the defendant, who is an ex-convict, was found in possession of three phones, seven sim cards, identity cards, ATM card and Indian hemp. He said the convict he could not give a satisfactory account of the items.

She said that Mr Shoaga made a confessional statement that he stole the phones and other items from different people.

The prosecutor alleged that the defendant stole the phones from the shops of the owners, while he pretended to buy goods from them.

“Shoaga was apprehended by some vigilante operatives, when they saw him with a nylon bag and accosted him, but upon questioning, he could not give account of the items in his possession, which lead to his arrest,” she said.

The prosecutor, however, said that the offence contravened sections 516 and 430 of the criminal code laws of Ogun  2006. 

(NAN)