P.O.S Robber Bags 15 Months Jail Term

BY UCHENNA OKAFOR, AWKA

The Chief Magistrate Court 4 Holden at Abagana, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, presided over by His Worship, Chika Emeka (Esq), on Monday, sentenced a-22-year-old Anthony Onwuka to a total of 15 months in prison for having robbed a female P.O.S operator to the tune of N14, 000.00 and other valuables.

Anthony Onwuka had told the Court that he is 22 years old and hails from Abagana within the Magistrial Distinct was arraigned on four-count- charges of threats to life, assault, unlawful damage of the property of his victim and stealing. He however pleaded guilty on all the charges.

Asked of the language he understands better before the charges was read to him, he said he preferred English language and one of the court’s clecks even went far to still interpret the charges in his native language, aimed at calling his senses to order but he kept repeating that he is guilty.

Presenting the matter before the court, a female police prosecutor, Inspector Patience Nyanga attached to Abagana Police Division told the court that the incident took place on the 10th day of February this year and after committing the offence, the defendant ran to his maternal grandmother outside the State, adding that the police had mounted a manhunt before he was arrested on Thursday (26/03/2021) and brought to the court on the following Monday.

Although Anthony Onwuka’s victim was not in court.during the arraignment, a counsel who volunteered to advocate for the defendant, prayed the Court to be very liberal in his sentence, noting that the defendant is also a semi minor.”His Worship, looking at the defendant, you can see that he is almost a minor and needs rehabilitation. Again he is a first time offender and probably have no good parental care as none of his family members are in Court. Having said this, I pray this Honourable court to be more liberal in his sentence, may it please this Honourable court”, he submitted. 

Pleading the Court to tender justice with mercy, the convict said if only the Court would pardon him, he is going to change for good both for his family and the State by extension.

In his judgement, the presiding magistrate, Magistrate Emeka Chika, Esq sentenced Anthony Onwuka to six months in imprisonment or fine of N20,000.00 in Count one. In count two, the P.O.S robber bagged three months in imprisonment or fine of N10,000.00. In court three, he was also sentenced to yet another three months in jail or he pay the sum of N10,000.00 while in the fourth count charge, he was sentenced to another six months or the fine of N20,000.00, totalling 15 months in jail or the total sun of N65,000.00 and the sentence will run concurrently, according to the Court.