Kwara: Teenager sentenced to one year in prison for arson, theft

By Adeyanju Esther

A teenager named Olawumi Ayomide has been sentenced by a Kwara State Magistrate Court for allegedly setting a building on fire in Ilorin after stealing items from its occupants.

Magistrate M.A. Yahaya found the suspect guilty and imposed a one-year prison sentence at Mandala Correctional Centre, without the option of a fine.

He was charged in court by the Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC).

It was reported that on Wednesday of last week, at around 12:00 PM, the suspect broke into a three-bedroom bungalow belonging to Mrs. Bolatito Adebayo at No. 50, Afenifere Community, Onireke, Upper Gaa Akanbi, Ilorin South LGA.

During the invasion, he allegedly stole items including foodstuffs, groceries, and clothing, and then set the residential building on fire, as stated by NSCDC spokesman Ayoola Michael Shola in Ilorin.

When apprehended at the scene, the suspect attempted to escape by igniting the fire as a diversion.

Despite his attempts, he was ultimately apprehended and handed over to the NSCDC for further investigation and prosecution.

The State Commandant of the NSCDC, Dr. Umar Mohammed, reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to combating criminal activities in the state and pledged to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.