Mechanic, 21, docked over alleged theft of mobile phone

A 21-year-old mechanic, Habeeb Badmus, was, on Monday, brought before a Sabo Yaba Magistrates’ Court in Lagos over alleged theft of a mobile phone, worth N15,000 and N100,000 cash.

Badmus, a resident of Surulere area of Lagos, is facing a count charge of stealing.

Police Prosecutor, Insp Patrick Ebri, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on Aug. 14 at No. 39, Alhaji St., Pako area of Ijeshatedo, Lagos.

He said that the defendant stole a ZTE phone, valued at N15,000 and N100,000 cash, belonging to the complainant, Mrs Iretiola Adelana, through her window.

He said that the defendant used a stick to steal the complainant’s handbag through the window and carted away the items in the bag.

Ebri further stated that the defendant was apprehended when he used the stolen phone number to post his picture as WhatsApp display picture.

The offence, he said, contravened Section 280 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).

It was reported that Section 287 stipulates a three-year jail term for the offence of stealing.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Magistrate, Mrs F.O. Sasanya, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N300,000, with two responsible sureties in like sum.

She directed that the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and be gainfully employed.

Sasanya further ruled that they must submit copies of their National Identification Number (NIN) to the court and evidence of two years’ tax payment to Lagos State government.

She adjourned the case till Nov. 4, for mention.