Unemployed man jailed six months for stealing copper wire

An Ikeja Magistrates’ Court on Thursday sentenced a 22-year-old unemployed man Azeez Dauda,  to six months’ imprisonment without an option of fine for stealing a copper wire worth N152, 200.

The Magistrate, Mrs Folashade Hughes, convicted and sentenced the defendant following his guilty plea and review of the facts of the case.

Hughes sentenced Dauda  to two months’ imprisonment on each of the three counts brought against him.

She, however, directed that the sentences should run concurrently.

“This will serve as a deterrent to others,” she said.

Dauda, who lives at 42, Alhaji Kareem St., Ikotun, Lagos State, was charged with  conspiracy, burglary and stealing.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp Samuel Mishozunnu, told the court that Dauda  committed the offences on March 18 at No. 1, Wilmer St., Off Town Planning Way, Ilupeju, Lagos State.

Mishozunnu said that Dauda  and others at large jumped through the fence of Matrix Petrol Chemical Ltd., broke its window and stole the copper wire.

“Two days later, they came to steal again; but this time, the security guards were at alert and the defendant was apprehended while his accomplices escaped,” he said.

The offences contravene Sections 287, 306 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.