10th June, 2013
A 19-year-old house boy, Adebanjo Tosin, who took advantage of the disability of his master and stole his N150, 000, has been sentenced to two years imprisonment by an Evbuoriaria Magistrate’s Court in Benin, Edo State, southsouth Nigeria.
The offence committed at 6, Osagioduwa Street, off Saint Saviour Road, Benin on 3 June, 2013, contravened Section 390 of the Criminal Code.
According to Gogo Iguodala, he employed Tosin four months ago out of pity.
Narrating how the money was stolen, victim of the theft, Mr. Gogo Ighuodala who came to the court in a wheel chair, said: “Tosin took me into the the bathroom and after rubbing soap on my head and face, he locked me in the bathroom.
“Tosin immediately entered into my bedroom, took my N150, 000 and ran away.”
He further told the court how his disability renders him useless in many areas, adding that the only thing he succeeded in doing perfectly was reading and writing.
He said he would have forgiven Tosin, but that the conviction would serve as deterrent for others who like to take advantage of physically challenged persons.
Narrating how the accused was arrested, the prosecutor, Corporal Kehinde Adebiyi, said that Tosin was set-up with a lady who pretended to have fallen in love with him on phone.
“Tosin then booked an appointment to meet with the lady at Saint Saviour Market. At this time, Mr. Iguodala’s neighbours were already in a hideout. In the process of familiarization between Tosin and the lady, he was apprehended and arrested.”
Seven pairs of knickers, a belt, a pair of socks, two polo shirts, handless top, face-cap, kito slippers, radio ear-phone, phone-charger, wrist-watch and three set of beads recovered from the house boy were tendered as exhibit.
Tosin who owned up to his crime, told the court that he had no mother, adding that he left his grandmother and grandfather in Ondo state in search of daily bread in Benin City.
The presiding Magistrate, Mrs. Precious Edogun, noted that Tosin not having parents in Benin is no excuse for him not being a good boy.
Edogun said, “based on the facts before the court, the accused is found guilty as charged.”
She thereafter sentenced him to two years imprisonment without option of fine.
—Jethro Ibileke/Benin