An Ebute Meta Magistrate's Court, Lagos, has sentenced a 29-year-old man, Ademola Sunday, to 12 months imprisonment for stealing a Volkswagen bus.
Sunday was employed by William Michael to drive the bus with Lagos registration numberXJ 902 MUS for commercial purposes but he absconded with it on September 24.
Sunday was charged with one count of stealing, which according to the charge sheet, is punishable under Section 285 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.
When his plea was taken, he admitted being guilty to the offence.
The Investigating Police Officer, Kalu Isieku, told the court that Sunday who was engaged to ply Idumota-Oyingbo route was apprehended in Imota area of the state one week after he fled with the vehicle.
Isieku said, "The bus was spotted in the bushin Imota and the environment did not look like a workshop.
"The brain box and kick starter of the bus had been removed when we recovered it. Welater got him arrested with the help of residents of the area."
Sunday, who has no fixed place of abode, begged the court for leniency and promised to turn a new leaf.
But Magistrate Christiana Adesola-Ikpatt said Sunday intentionally kept the vehicle in his custody and deprived the owner of the property.
"Having considered all the facts of this case, this court finds you guilty as charged. You arehereby sentenced to one year imprisonment or an option of N50, 000 fine," Adesola-Ikpatt said.
Culled: Punchng
12 month is still small.Stealing shouldn't be encouraged
that serves him right