KINGSLEY EBERE
A 21-year old man, Ekpe Chinecherem, has been sentenced to six months imprisonment without an option of fine for killing a security dog, which fiercely engaged and obstructed his gang members during a robbery operation in Ebonyi State.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that it was the judgment of the Ebonyi State High Court sitting in Abakaliki, which found Chinecherem guilty and sentenced him accordingly.
The incident happened on 6th August, 2024, at Ndiulo Ngbo community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the State.
After killing the dog belonging to Mrs. Omaka Nkwaego, they invaded the compound and subsequently stole a 7kg gas cylinder belonging to Agba Chibueze and escaped with their gang members.
The matter was reported to the Police. The Police moved into action, eventually arrested Chinecherem and charged him on three counts in the suit marked MAB/499c/2024, which bordered on conspiracy, stealing and killing of a dog.
The charges read :
“That you, Ekpe Chinecherem, male, and others now at large on 6th day of August 2024, at Ndiulo Ngbo Ohaukwu Local Government Area within jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did conspire amongst yourselves to commit an offence to wit stealing punishable under Section 516(a) of the criminal code cap 33 volume 1 laws of Ebonyi State of Nigeria 2009.”
“You did on the same date and place in the aforementioned magisterial district steal one 7 kg gas cylinder valued Thirty Thousand Naira (N30,000.00), property of Agba Chibueze thereby committed offence contrary to Section 390 of the Criminal Code cap 33 volume 1 Laws of Ebonyi State of Nigeria 2009.”
“On same date, place and aforementioned magisterial district, Ekpe Chinecherem did kill one female dog valued Thirty Five Thousand Naira, property of one Omaka Nkwaego thereby committed offence punishable under Section 394 of Criminal Code Cap 33 volume 1 Laws of Ebonyi State of Nigeria 2009.”
However, he pleaded guilty and asked for leniency.
The Presiding Magistrate, Grace Osuji, having considered the matter, found him guilty as charged and sentenced him to six months imprisonment to serve as deterrent to others.