Unemployed remanded in prison over armed robbery

An Ikeja Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday remanded an umployed man, Wahidi Ajala, in Kirikiri Prisons after he pleaded guilty to armed robbery.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs B. O. Osunsanmi, who gave the ruling, said the accused should remain behind bars, pending sentencing.

The accused, whose address is unknown, is facing a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy and armed robbery.

The Prosecutor, Insp. Simeon Imhonwa, had told court that the accused committed the offences at about 6.00 a.m. on Jan. 16 at Iloro in Dopemu, near Lagos.

He said that the accused conspired with others still at large and robbed one Emmanuel Alonge of two phones, valued at N117, 000 at gunpoint.

Imhonwa said the accused, who was armed with a locally made double barrel gun, robbed Emmanuel of his two mobile phones valued N117,000 and a bag containing his personal effects.

He alleged that the complainant, who was on his way to work, was attacked by the accused, who pointed a gun at him.

“The complainant was accosted by the accused, who came with a gun and snatched his phones valued at N117, 000.

“He was later apprehended by the police.”

Imhonwa said the accused was apprehended by passersby who noticed what was going on.

He said that the offences contravened Sections 285, 295 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The accused may be sentenced to 21 years imprisonment if convicted, according to Section 295 of the Criminal Law.

The case was adjourned until May 14 for sentencing.