A 31-year-old man, Tope Oladele has been sentenced to 6 months imprisonment, without any option of fine, by a Magistrate court sitting in Osogbo, Osun State for breaking the window of a school in the state.
The presiding Magistrate Olubukola Olowolagba had convicted Oladele on a count-charge of misdemeanor, after he entered into a guilty plea.
Police prosecutor, Inspector Fagboyinbo Abiodun, had informed the court during the summary trial that Oladele was arrested by the night guard of Ido-Osun High school, in Ido-Osun after breaking one of the school windows.
Abiodun explained that the convict, who said he arrived Ido-Osun from Ado-Ekiti had wanted to pass the night in one of the school classrooms before he was accosted by the guard who apprehended him and handed him over to the police.
The court charge brought against Oladele on Tuesday read, “That you Tope Oladele on the 14th of August, 2016 at about 8:40pm at Ido-Osun High School, Ido-Osun, Osogbo, in the Osogbo Magisterial district did attempt to commit misdemeanor therein.”
Oladele pleaded not guilty to the surprise of his counsel, Najite Okobe, who rose immediately and informed the court of his readiness to withdraw his appearance for his client.
But the Magistrate refused his withdrawal.
When the Magistrate asked Oladele what his mission was in Osogbo, he said he just traveled to Osogbo without knowing anyone. The convict added that he had been wandering and sleeping wherever he found himself at night..
The prosecutor then argued that Oladele committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 508 of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, vol. II, Laws of Osun State of Nigeria, 2003.
Okobe had prayed the court during allocutus to temper justice with mercy in sentencing the convict.
Delivering her judgement, Olowolagba sentenced Oladele to six months imprisonment without any option of fine.
