A chief magistrates’ court in Jimeta, Yola, on Friday handed down sentences of 10, seven, and five years’ imprisonment to three men who were found guilty of conspiring and stealing household items.
The individuals, namely Aliyu Adamu (24), Ahmed Musa (18), and Adamu Aliyu (21), residents of Malamre Yola, pleaded guilty and appealed for leniency before the court.
Chief Magistrate Musa Adamu, presiding over the case, delivered the judgment, emphasizing that the convictions and sentences were based on the defendants’ admission of guilt to the charges.
“Having considered the plea of the convicts, a crime such as this should be discouraged in society, where a group of people visit homes at night to steal, threaten and instil fear in people.
“I hereby sentence Aliyu Adamu, Ahmed Musa and Adamu Aliyu to six months imprisonment for the offence of criminal conspiracy or pay a fine of N50,000 each.
“Also that you, Aliyu Adamu, Ahmed Musa and Adamu Aliyu are hereby sentenced to 10 years, seven years and five years’ imprisonment without an option of fine for the offence of theft in a dwelling house, the sentence would thereby run concurrently,’’ he said.
Mr. Adamu granted the convicts a 30-day window to either appeal or commence serving their term.
According to Inspector Galion Neron, the police prosecutor, the accused individuals faced a two-count charge related to criminal conspiracy and theft.
Neron informed the court that on December 20, 2023, around 4:00 p.m., the complainant, Mahmoud Yahaya of Malamre, reported the incident at Karewa Police Station in Yola, the capital of Adamawa State.
The prosecutor alleged that the suspects collaborated in a criminal conspiracy, breaking into the residence of the complainant’s brother, Isah Yahaya, situated in Malamre.
During the court proceedings, Neron detailed the stolen items, which included a black Samsung television valued at N100,000, 10 perfumes valued at N200,000, three caps valued at N60,000, underwear valued at N10,000, clothes valued at N300,000, and two international passports, among other items.
Neron explained that, according to the police investigation, the suspects admitted to the crime, and some of the stolen items were recovered from their possession.
The prosecutor emphasized that the charged individuals had violated sections 60 and 279 of the Penal Code of Adamawa 2018.