Court Remands Scavenger Over Theft, Trespass

A Kubwa Magistrate Court, Abuja, yesterday, ordered that a 21-year-old scavenger, Ibrahim Lawal, be remanded for alleged criminal trespass and theft.

The magistrate, Mrs Elizabeth Jones-Wonnu, gave the order after the accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Police prosecutor, Sandra Oparaugo had earlier told the court that the case was reported at Kubwa Police Station, Abuja, on May 19 by Yakubu Tairu of Jewel Model Primary School, Kubwa, Abuja.

“Tairu, a security guard at the school, told the police that on May 19, the accused allegedly trespassed into the premises of the school with the intention to commit an offence.

“He eventually stole a plastic container and was about to escape with it before he was apprehended by the security guards on duty,’’ Oparaugo said.

She said the offences contravened sections 348 and 288 of the Penal Code.

Section 348 provides that, “whoever commits criminal trespass shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with a fine or with both.’’

Section 288 states that, “whoever commits theft in or from any building, tent or vessel shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years or with fine or with both.’’

The magistrate adjourned the case to May 30 for continuation of hearing.