The Ekiti state high court [/b]in Ado Ekiti has sentenced a 26-year-old young man, Omodara Dada, to seven years imprisonment for stealing an Infinix Hot 9 phone. The incident, which led to the conviction, has drawn attention due to the severity of the crime and the circumstances surrounding it.
According to reports, Justice Lekan Ogunmoye, who presided over the case, sentenced the young man to prison for stealing a black Infinix Hot 8 phone valued at ₦64,000 and ₦8,000 cash while armed with a knife. The crime occurred in February 2023 and was linked to an incident in which Dada was involved in a burglary, making it a matter of serious concern.
The theft occurred on the 13th of February 2023, when the defendant, Omodara Dada, was caught in the act of stealing. Court documents indicated that the accused was apprehended while attempting to steal a plasma television from a hotel room. The hotel manager, Fakiyesi Tope, who was the victim in this case, recounted his ordeal in court, detailing the frightening encounter.
Fakiyesi Tope recalled, "I woke up to a noise and saw the defendant trying to remove my TV. When I tried to shout, he pulled out a knife and threatened to stab me. I later realized he had taken my phone and ₦8,000 cash." This testimony played a significant role in the trial, as it provided a first-hand account of the crime and the fear the victim experienced during the robbery.
In his judgment, Justice Ogunmoye ruled that while the evidence was insufficient to sustain a charge of armed robbery under Section 312 (2) of the Ekiti State Criminal Law, it was sufficient to establish burglary under Section 323 of the law. Justice Ogunmoye emphasized that the evidence provided proved the lesser offence of burglary beyond a reasonable doubt. He noted that the actions of the defendant were clear-cut, with him attempting to steal valuable property while threatening violence against the victim.
In closing, Justice Ogunmoye stated, “The evidence proves the lesser offence of burglary beyond reasonable doubt.” Based on this, Dada was sentenced to seven years in prison, effective from the date of his detention, marking the end of his involvement in the crime. The judgment has sent a strong message regarding the consequences of burglary and theft in the region.
