By Majeed Yusuf
An Ilorin Magistrate court has sentenced one David James to one year imprisonment over burglary and theft.
James, according to several sources, was one of the most wanted burglars around Malete who specialized in breaking into hostels of Kwara State University Students (KWASU) and carting away their properties. The joint efforts of the Nigerian police and members of the local Vigilante later resulted in the arrest of James.
A search was conducted in his hideout in Malete where items such as laptops, one of which was valued at N70,000, sunglasses and clothes were discovered. James confessed to have sold one of the laptops at Ajase-Ipo for N10,000. He also confessed to have broken many hostels at Malete.
Consequently, the 27-year old, who was said to have no other means of livelihood aside stealing, was dragged before Magistrate Rukayat Muhammed-Abdullahi and charged with offences bothering on criminal trespass, house breaking, theft and vagabonds contrary to sections 342, 355, 228 and 407 of penal code laws respectively.
The prosecutor, Matthew Ologbonsaiye prayed the court to remand the defendant in prison custody, having been an unrepentant offender who has been arrested severally in the past on the same offences.
In his judgement, Magistrate Rukayat sentenced James to one year imprisonment without the option of fine.