An Ekiti State High Court in Ado Ekiti has handed down a 27-year imprisonment to Dipo Femi for his involvement in conspiracy, burglary, and theft.
The 22-year-old defendant faced trial before Justice Blessing Ajileye on July 19, 2022, on a five-count charge related to conspiracy, burglary, and theft, as per sections 421, 324, and 302 of the Criminal Laws of Ekiti State, 2021.
According to the allegations, Dipo Femi, alongside others who remain at large, conspired and broke into several shops on March 14, 2022, at 5:30 am, located at Oke Ureje, Polytechnic Road, Ado Ekiti. Among the stolen items were clothing, jewelry, footwear, a cash sum of N200,000.00, perfumes, body spray, and caps, collectively valued at N2.1 million.
One of the victims recounted, “I received a call while I was going to church that my shop has been burgled but the thief was caught and arrested.” The victim further stated that upon arrival at the scene, the thief admitted to the crime, implicating three others who had fled with the stolen goods. The matter was then reported to the Rapid Response Squad of the Nigerian Police Force.
During the trial, the prosecutor, Kunle-Shina Adeyemo, presented four witnesses and submitted the defendant’s statements as evidence.
In her ruling, Justice Blessing Ajileye affirmed, “The prosecution has convincingly established the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.” Consequently, Dipo Femi was sentenced to seven years imprisonment each for counts 1, 2, and 4 (conspiracy and burglary), and three years each for counts 3 and 5. The sentences are to be served concurrently from the date of arrest.
