CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
The convict, Olabisi Joseph
A 23-year old convicted criminal, Olabisi Joseph, who was arrested for stealing, has confessed before a court that he had no job that was why he came to Lagos from his village in Ogun State to steal to earn a living.
He pleaded guilty before Isolo Magistrates’ court on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing and was sentenced accordingly.
Ogun State-born Joseph told the court that he left his village in Ipokia Local Government Area in Ogun State to Lagos, Nigeria, two years ago to steal and was unfortunately arrested.
He revealed that while he was in Ogun state, he had no means of livelihood until his friend he identified as Shola advised him to come to Lagos and join him in stealing.
The convict said since he came to Lagos, he only depended on stealing from people to sustain his livelihood and it was going on well before he was eventually arrested.
He said initially, it was not his intention to steal, but he had no choice than to do it to take care of himself after he tried to be a vulcanizer and it did not work out.
Joseph was arrested by the police at Igando division after he broke into a shop.
And while he was about to steal items in the shop, a resident who saw him raised the alarm and he was battered and apprehended and handed over to the police.
He told the police that he was homeless and slept in a market at Alaba Rago area from there he moved to communities in the area to steal and return to the place at night.
Joseph said he used part of the money he made from stealing in betting and casino games.
He asked the court for leniency and said he was ready to change if he was given another opportunity to turn a new leaf.
Joseph said he had realised that he had been living a meaningless life since he started stealing.
The presiding Magistrate, Mrs A.K. Shonubi found him guilty as charged and warned him to change and if he was brought back to court again for any criminal offence, he will serve a long jail sentence.
The court also ordered that he will sign an undertaking after completing his community service at the court premises.
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