An Ebonyi State High Court sitting in Abakaliki has sentenced a 21-year-old man, Ekpe Chinecherem to six calendar months imprisonment for killing a security dog.
The convict was also accused of stealing a gas cylinder during a robbery operation he embarked upon alongside others said to be on the run.
Chinecherem was said to have invaded the compound of one Mrs. Omaka Nkwaego on 6th of August 2024 at Ndiulo Ngbo community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the state and killed security dog when it attempted to obstruct his entrance to commit the crime.
He subsequently stole a 7kg gas cylinder from the compound.
The police however slammed him with three count-charge in the suit marked MAB/499c/2024.
The offences bordered on conspiracy, stealing and killing of a dog.
“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.”
The defendant pleaded guilty to the offences as charged and asked for leniency.
The trial Magistrate Grace Osuji, having considered the matter, sentenced him to six calendar months imprisonment to serve as deterrent to others.
