I Broke Into House For Cigarette Money,’ 22-year-old Man Tells Court

A mid drama ensued today at a Magistrate Court sitting in Osogbo, Osun State capital when a suspect, Olawale Idris told the court presiding over by Adebola Odeleye that he unlawfully broke into a house to steal because he needed money to buy cigarettes.

During the court proceedings, the defendant was questioned by the Magistrate on why he unlawfully broke into the house and his mission therein.

Responding, the suspect said he needed money to buy his regular cigarettes.

He explained: “I jumped into the house that day because I used to smoke and I did not have any money on me to buy cigarettes on that very day”.

Police Prosecutor, Idoko James, had told the court that the defendant committed the offense on or before 21st day of April, 2024, at Olohunsogo Community, Osogbo, Osun State capital.

James further explained that the suspect unlawfully broke into a house and stole aluminum windows, burglary and glass, doors, water tap fittings, a water heater, pipes, a water pumping machine, and electrical fittings.

Police Prosecutor added that the suspect unlawfully damaged a water pumping machine, electrical installations, walls of a building, and doors, all valued at five million, two hundred thousand naira, property of one Apoeso Abiola.

He said that the offenses committed by the defendant were contrary to and punishable under Sections 412, 390(9), and 451 of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. II Laws of Osun State of Nigeria, 2002.

However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the allegations slammed against him.

He said: “I was using stone to break pipe beside the house and people around came and caught me in the act. They collected it from me. That’s all I know, I didn’t know anything about burglary and wire.

Defense Counsel, Tunbosun Oladipupo, applied for bail for the of the accused in the most liberal term.

In her ruling, Magistrate, Odeleye granted the accused bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

She, thereafter, adjourned the case till June 5, 2024 for hearing.