By Bilesanmi Abayomi
A 41-year-old hairstylist, Yusuf Adeola has been handed a three-month prison sentence without the option of a fine by the Ogudu Magistrate’s Court in Kosofe, Lagos. The conviction stems from his involvement in the theft of wines valued at a staggering N1 million.
Magistrate O. A. Daodu delivered the sentence following a thorough review of the case, prompted by Adeola’s admission of guilt during the court proceedings.
The hair stylist, residing in Ikota, Ajah, Lagos State, had faced charges brought forth by the police on January 23. According to Insp Sunday Bassey, the prosecutor, Adeola’s thieving spree targeted the Kofa Hartley Supermarket in Ogudu, Kosofe, where he allegedly pilfered bottles of wine.
Bassey revealed that the defendant had a history of wine theft at the supermarket, as captured by Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras. On January 4, Adeola was caught on camera stealing bottles valued at N600,000, and on a separate occasion, he made off with another batch worth N400,000.
The unraveling of the hair stylist’s illicit activities was credited to a vigilant security guard employed by Shepherd Hill Security Company, responsible for the supermarket’s safety. The guard, accused of negligence, utilized the CCTV footage to apprehend Adeola, exposing his repeated wine heists.
Notably, the defendant confessed to a previous theft in November, admitting to stealing Martell Wine and selling it for N500,000 to a woman at Apogbon Market on Lagos Island.