The Chief Magistrate Court 4 in Osogbo has, on Friday 29th November, 2024, ordered and remanded two suspects, Wale Sodiq (41 years) and Abiodun Olohunwa (45 years), at the Ilesa Correctional Center. The suspects were charged for Conspiracy to with stealing and burglary at a residence in Ogo-Oluwa Area, Zone 2, Ede, Osun State.
The two suspects were arraigned on three charges, including conspiracy and theft, which are punishable under section 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Cap 34. The court read the charges aloud, stating that the duo conspired to commit felony theft by unlawfully removing property from the residence of one Muritala Fawaz. The stolen items included five cartons of tiles, five bags of Dangote Cement, and a tiles cutting machine, with a total value of N186,000. These actions were deemed in violation of sections 516A and 390 of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Volume 2, Law of Osun State, 2022. Furthermore, the two were accused of breaking into an uncompleted building, committing burglary and stealing the aforementioned items.
Both suspects, during the court proceedings, admitted to conspiring together to commit the crime. This confession was made in the presence of the presiding Magistrate, Daramola.
The case was brought before the court by the Osun Amotekun Corps, through the Attorney General of Osun State. Following the conclusion of the investigation, the court ruled that both suspects be remanded in the Ilesa Correctional Center pending further proceedings. Magistrate Daramola set the date for the next hearing on January 24, 2025.
This case stems from an incident where the suspects were arrested by Amotekun operatives after they had stolen and burgled the property in the Ogo-Oluwa Area, Zone 2, Ede. The suspects initially absconded the scene but were later tracked down to their hideout, where they were found in possession of the stolen items. A formal complaint was lodged with Amotekun, and the operatives acted promptly, apprehending the suspects.
During questioning, Sodiq and Olohunwa confessed to their involvement in the theft and burglary, admitting that this was not the first time they had committed such crimes. They also revealed that they had previously evaded arrest in earlier incidents. Their arrest and subsequent charges highlight the determined efforts of the Osun Amotekun Corps to address criminal activities and ensure that offenders face justice.
In her ruling, Magistrate Daramola emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions and underscored the significance of using the legal process as a deterrent to others involved in similar criminal acts. The duo were said to be remanded in Ilesa Correctional Center.
The case will continue on January 24, 2025, when further legal proceedings will be held.