A magistrates’ court in Osogbo, Osun State, on Wednesday sentenced a 25-year-old man, Ismaila Wahab, to 18 months in prison for stealing a lady’s purse and breach of public peace.

The magistrate, M. Olatunji, ordered that the convict be jailed in Ilesa Correctional facility due to the magnitude of the offence against him.

Mr Olatunji said the sentencing would serve as a deterrent to others in the habit of confiscating people’s belongings illegally.

The convict is facing a two-count charge of theft and breach of public peace, to which he pleaded not guilty.

Earlier, the police prosecutor, ASP Akintunde Jacob, told the court that the convict committed the offence on July 14 at about 11:30 a.m. in the Omo West area of Osogbo.

Mr Jacob said the convict stole a black purse belonging to one Morufat Olatoye, containing two mobile phones and a First Bank ATM card with about N266,200 in the account.

He said the police arrested the convict and charged him to court after a thorough investigation.

The prosecutor said the offence contravened sections 390 and 249(D) of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Vol. 11, Laws of Osun, 2002.

The convict had no legal representation in court. 

(NAN)