By Douglas Jones
In a judgment that underscores the consequences of criminal activities, an Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti has sentenced a 26-year-old man, Kunle Adebayo, to seven years imprisonment for burglary and theft.
The verdict was delivered by Justice Olukayode Adebayo, who found Adebayo guilty of breaking into a residential apartment in Oke-Ado, Ado Ekiti, and stealing a mobile phone worth N64,000. The crime was reportedly committed in April 2024, during which the convict also carted away other valuables belonging to the victim, Adeola Ogunleye.
According to the prosecuting counsel, Adebayo gained unlawful access to the premises in the dead of night, using tools later discovered in his possession. The theft was uncovered when Ogunleye reported the incident to the police, leading to Adebayo's arrest after a thorough investigation.
In his ruling, Justice Adebayo emphasized the need to deter others from engaging in such acts, noting that burglary and theft undermine the safety and security of individuals in their homes. "This court cannot condone actions that disrupt the peace of law-abiding citizens," the judge remarked.
During the trial, the defendant pleaded for leniency, claiming he was pushed to commit the crime due to unemployment and financial hardship. However, the court noted that such excuses could not absolve him of his actions, particularly given the impact of his crime on the victim.
The sentence has elicited mixed reactions from the public, with some praising the judiciary for its firm stance against criminal behavior, while others called for more systemic measures to address unemployment and its role in youth involvement in crime.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served, both for the victims and society at large.
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