18-year-old jailed for arson, theft in Kwara

A Kwara State Magistrate Court sitting in Ilorin, on Monday, sentenced an 18-year-old boy, Olawumi Olamide, to one-year imprisonment for setting a three-bedroom bungalow on fire after stealing foodstuffs and a plasma television.

Olawumi was found guilty by the court presided over by Magistrate M.A. Yahaya, who ordered him to spend a one-year jail term at the Federal Correctional Centre, Mandala, in the Asa local government area of the state.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Kwara State Command, on Monday, September 30, arraigned Olawumi for allegedly setting a building on fire after stealing items belonging to the occupants.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Kwara State Command, in a statement by the Public Relations Officer ASC Ayoola Michael, arraigned Olawumi for allegedly setting a building on fire after stealing items belonging to the occupants.

The statement said, “On Monday, 30th September 2024, the Kwara State Magistrate Court, presided over by Magistrate M.A. Yahaya, found the suspect guilty and sentenced him to one year in Mandala Correctional Centre without the option of a fine.

“It will be recalled that on Wednesday, 25th September 2024, at 1200hrs, the suspect broke into a three-bedroom bungalow belonging to Mrs. Bolatito Adebayo at No. 50, Afenifere Community, Onireke, Upper Gaa Akanbi in Ilorin South local government area of Kwara state.

“During the invasion, he reportedly stole items such as foodstuffs, groceries, and clothing, and subsequently set the residential building ablaze.

“Upon being apprehended at the scene, the suspect attempted to evade capture by igniting the fire as a diversion and stabbed a local guard in the area to prevent his arrest. Despite his efforts, he was ultimately captured and handed over to the NSCDC for further investigation and prosecution.”

Olawumi pleaded guilty to a two count charge of conspiracy, and Arson said that three of them were involved in the crime, adding that the rest two escaped and were now at large.

The presiding magistrate, Mr Yahaya, pronounced him guilty and sentenced him to one-year improvement with hard labour.

Ayoola said that the NSCDC Kwara State Commandant, Dr. Umar J.G. Mohammed, reiterated the Corps’ relentless onslaught against criminal activities in the state and vowed to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.