An Abia State Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Akwete, Ukwa East council area has sentenced a 23 year old man, Ugonna Obinna Emmanuel to 14 years in prison for stealing four solar energy batteries.
Prosecuting Counsel, Chris Kpatuma, told the court that the convict was arrested by the police on July 7, for breaking into a store at Mpkorobe, Ndoki in Ukwa East council area where he took away four solar energy batteries belonging to the community.
Kpatuma who is also serves as the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Akwete Division, asked the court to exercise the provisions of section 411(1&2) of the criminal code Cap c38 Laws of Federation of Nigeria 2014 as application in Abia state.
During the trial, the accused, Emmanuel, confessed to the crime and pleaded for leniency.
In his judgment, the presiding Chief Magistrate, E. Okereke, found the accused guilty as charged and sentenced him to 14 years imprisonment without an option of fine.