NAN- A 24-year-old unemployed man, Joshua Ogbodo, told an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court on Thursday in Lagos that he stole a bottle of soft drink at a school premises due to hunger.
“My Lord, I stole the teacher’s mineral because I was hungry and I have been roaming the streets looking for what to eat. I promise never to do so again.’’
Ogbodo was charged with conspiracy, attempt to commit an offence and stealing alongside one Rufai Ibrahim, 24, also unemployed.
Ogbodo and his accomplice, Ibrahim, gave no fixed residential addresses.
Ibrahim told the court that he had gone to the school to submit a job application when he was arrested with Ogbodo for stealing a bottle of drink by security guards at the school.
The prosecutor, Cpl. Babaje Ishiaku, told the court that the accused committed the offence on June 23 at the Lagos State Model School, Mobolaji Johnson St., Lekki, Lagos.
He said that the accused stole a bottle of soft drink valued at N80, and belonging to one Mr Dominic Johnson, a teacher.
Ogbodo pleaded guilty to the charges, while Ibrahim entered a no guilty plea.
The magistrate, Miss Oluwatosin Fowowe, discharged Ibrahim after determining that he was a victim of circumstance.
Fowowe also discharged Ogbodo with a caution, “I am giving you a final warning; I don’t want to see you arraigned for stealing anything again,’’ she said.
