Osun Court Remands Two Over Alleged Theft, Burglary

An Osun Chief Magistrates’ Court in Osogbo on Friday ordered the remand of two men, Wale Sodiq, 41, and Abiodun Olohunwa, 45, at the Ilesa Correctional Centre for charges related to theft and burglary.

The suspects were arraigned by the Osun Amotekun Corps, acting through the state’s Attorney General, over allegations of conspiracy, stealing, and burglary at a residence in the Ogo-Oluwa Area, Zone 2, Ede.

A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Osun Amotekun Corps, Yusuf Idowu, stated, “The duo were arraigned on three charges, including conspiracy and theft, punishable under Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Cap 34.”

The suspects were apprehended after they were caught burgling a property and stealing items in the Ede area. “The operatives acted promptly on a formal complaint, tracking the suspects to their hideout where the stolen items were recovered,” Idowu explained.

During their interrogation, Sodiq and Olohunwa reportedly confessed to the crime, admitting it was not their first involvement in such activities. They also disclosed that they had successfully evaded arrest in previous incidents.

The court heard that the stolen items included five cartons of tiles, five bags of Dangote cement, and a tile-cutting machine, valued at ₦186,000. The prosecution argued that their actions contravened Sections 516A and 390 of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Volume 2, Laws of Osun State, 2022.

The charge sheet presented to the court stated, “The suspects conspired to commit felony theft by unlawfully removing property from the residence of one Muritala Fawaz. They also broke into an uncompleted building, committing burglary and theft of the listed items.”

In court, both men admitted to their involvement in the offences when the charges were read to them. Their admission was noted by the presiding magistrate, A. Daramola, during the proceedings.

Magistrate Daramola subsequently ordered their remand at the Ilesa Correctional Centre, pending further court sittings. The magistrate stated, “This court will hear the matter fully on January 24, 2025.”

The Osun Amotekun Corps reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property, warning individuals to desist from criminal activities. “We will continue to act decisively against any actions that threaten peace in the state,” Idowu added.