By Toba Adedeji
A 37-years-old man has been convicted by Osogbo Magistrate court, State of Osun for stealing live Turkey.
The Convict, named, Stephen Odokuma had earlier been arraigned before same court where he pleaded ‘not guilty’ to a count charge preferred against him on July 28th, 2017 for stealing.
Meanwhile, he(Stephen) was admitted to bail with the sum of N50,000 with one surety after his counsel, Mrs. Dada Adeyinka applied for his bail orally.
However, Stephen Odokuma couldn’t perfect his bail condition which warranted remanding him in prison custody as case was adjourned to October 6th for mention. Stephen changed his plea from ‘not guilty’ to ‘guilty’ when his case was called on October 6th.
His case which was slated for today (Tuesday) for definite hearing, the Prosecutor, Olayiwola Rasaq told the court that Stephen Odokuma committed the offence at Oja Oba market area on 27th July, 2017 in Osogbo.
Rasaq further explained to court that a Policeman met Stephen at Oja Oba, Osogbo where he wanted to sell the live Turkey, the police officer engaged him where he got it from but he could not give satisfactory account on how he got it.
“The accused when arrested confessed to the police in his statement that he was coming from prison custody where he finished serving a two year imprisonment on related offence.
“In his statement he also explained that he stole the live turkey from a shop where he passed a night.
“Effort to trace the owner of the turkey was abortive.
Rasaq tendered the live turkey and the statement of the as exbits A and B.
Police prosecutor argued that the offense contravene section 432 of the criminal code cap 34 volume 11.laws of Osun State 2003
While the Chief Magistrate, Ashiru Ayeni was delivering his ruling, he convicted Stephen for the charge pressed against him. He cautioned the Convict and discharge him base on the fact that the convict has been in prison custody since the day he was arraigned.
He therefore ordered that the live turkey be sold and the proceeds should be deposited in government account.