Two unemployed men — Austin Ugochukwu and Peter Ohnne — who allegedly stole armoured cables worth N150, 000, were on Friday sentenced to 36 months imprisonment by an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.
The accused — Ugochukwu, 40, and Ohnne, 44 — had at their arraignment pleaded guilty to the two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing brought against them.
They, however, asked the court for leniency and promised not to engage in crimes again.
“In view of the plea of guilty by the defendants, the defendants are found guilty as charged.
“The defendants being first offenders are hereby sentenced to 18 months imprisonment each for each of the two-count charge; the sentence would run concurrently,” Magistrate Patrick Adekomaiya ruled.
Adekomaiya, who said the sentences should take effect from the date of arraignment, did not give the convicts option of fine.
Earlier, Police Prosecutor Peace Chukwudi told the court that the accused committed the offences on Oct. 19 at Ikota Shopping Complex, Lagos.
Chukwudi said the duo stole armoured cables valued at N150, 000, belonging to the complainant, Mr Samuel Ebiron.
The offences contravened Sections 287 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. (NAN)
