Man charged with criminal trespass pleads guilty, begs for leniency

A 22-year-old man, Sani Salisu, on Wednesday begged a Karmo Grade1 Area Court, Abuja, to reduce his punishment, after pleading guilty to criminal trespass and theft charges levelled against him.

“I plead with this court to reduce my punishment for I know I am guilty of all the allegations,’’ Salisu told the court before his conviction.
“I will suffer so much if you send me to jail; I am so sorry for what I did; please sir, forgive me, I will not steal again.’’

Salisu, a resident of Jabi Motor Park, Abuja, had pleaded guilty to a two-count charge of criminal trespass and theft.

The judge, Alhaji Inuwa Maiwada, after listening to Salisu’s appeal for leniency, warned and discharged him.

He also ordered Salisu to sign a bond to be of good behaviour and to desist from committing crimes.

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Maiwada said that the complainant’s lack of interest in the matter and Salisu was a first time offender, and had begged the court for mercy.

The prosecuting counsel, Mrs Ijeoma Ukagha, had told the court that one Hussani Salihu, a security guard at ABC Transport, Abuja, reported the matter at the Utako Police Station, Abuja, on Feb. 1.

Ukagha said that Salisu formed a criminal intent and trespassed into the premises, and stole air conditioner, generator radiator, and other items all valued at N500, 000.

She said that Salisu was apprehended during police investigations and all the stolen items were recovered from him.

Ukagha said that Salisu confessed committing the crime during the police investigation and the offences contravened the provisions of Section 348 and 288 of the Penal Code.