A Magistrates’ Court sitting in Iyaganku, Ibadan, Oyo State capital, has sentenced Paul Friday, to three months imprisonment for the theft of a generator.
25 years old Friday, who worked as a security guard at Olonde Light City Avenue in the Ologuneru area of Ibadan, was charged with conspiracy and theft.
He pleaded guilty to both charges.
In her ruling, Magistrate M. Olagbenro stated that the convict had confessed to the charges brought forward by the prosecution and was found guilty on both counts.
Due to the absence of a guarantor, Friday was not eligible for community service.
Magistrate Olagbenro expressed disappointment, noting that as a guard tasked with protecting lives and property, Friday had instead posed a threat to the very community he was meant to safeguard.
While taking into account the plea from Friday’s defense counsel, Paul Asooye, who requested leniency due to the convict being a first-time offender, the magistrate imposed the minimum sentence. She also advised Friday to use his time in prison to reform, learn a trade, and improve himself.
Earlier, Prosecutor Inspector Elisha Tellang informed the court that Friday committed the crime on September 17 at approximately 8:00 p.m. He, along with accomplices still at large, stole a Thermocool generator valued at N285,000 from the compound of SP Opeyemi Adeniyi, a police officer.
Tellang revealed that Friday received only N1,000 from an accomplice, who was also the receiver of the stolen generator. The accomplice, currently on the run, had promised to return and settle him after using the money to buy food.
The prosecutor stated that Friday’s actions violated Sections 516 and 390(9) of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.