A Lagos Magistrate’s Court on Monday arraigned a 22-year-old man, Jamiu Labara, over alleged burglary and assault.
The Police prosecutor, Sergeant Joseph Ajebe, told the court that Labara had attacked a shop in the Oniwaya area of Agege about 5am on March 18.
Ajebe said the accused inflicted injuries on the head of a resident identified as Olatunmise Odubite, who confronted him during the operation, adding that Labara and his accomplices, who are at large, fled with 10 packs of scrabble game, 21 toys, 23 photo frames, 18 wall clocks, snacks, among other items which valued at about N200, 000.
“The charges preferred against the defendant are punishable under sections 171, 285 and 307 (1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, Nigeria, 2011,” the prosecutor added.
The charges read, “That you, Jamiu Labara, and others at large, on March 18, 2016 at about 5am on Oniwaya Road, Dopemu, Agege, in the Lagos Magisterial District, did steal 10 packs of scramble game worth N35,000, 21 toys valued at N28,700, 23 photo frames valued at N73,300, 11 decorative flowers worth N28,600, 18 wall clocks worth N41,800 and snacks valued at N18,000 – all property of Mrs. Afusat Taiwo.
“That you, Jamiu Labara, did assault one Olatunmise Odubote by using a sharp object to inflict injuries on his head, which caused him bodily harm, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 171 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, Nigeria, 2011.”
The accused arraigned on four counts of burglary and assault, admitted to the first three counts but pleaded not guilty to the fourth count, which bordered on assault.
He confessed before the presiding Magistrate, Mr. Oyetade Komolafe, saying he was not in his right senses when he burgled the shop.
He told the court that all the items had been recovered from him, adding that he was not in a good state of mind before he took to burglary.
Labara said, “It is true I stole the items from the shop but I did not take them away. I was arrested at the scene of the crime. I am sorry.
“I was not in my senses. I did not burgle the shop intentionally. I was holding an object but I didn’t injure anybody.”
Komolafe adjourned the case till July 8, for further hearing.
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