Six members of a family in Kwara State have been sentenced to jail for their involvement in assault, intimidation, and theft. The Kwara State Magistrate Court, presided over by Mrs. Kudirat Yahaya, convicted the family members on Thursday.
The family, including Mr. Adedokun Paul, his wife, and four of their children, were found guilty of five counts of criminal conspiracy, intimidation, house breaking, theft, and mischief. These offences are contrary to and punishable under Sections 96, 396, and 322 of the Penal Code Law of Nigeria.
The prosecution was based on a petition written by the office of Sulyman Abaya & Co, Rahman Chambers, Ilorin, on behalf of Ajayi Oluwafemi, the husband of their daughter, Temitope Oluwafemi. Ajayi accused his in-laws of invading his house, stealing N1.2 million, a plasma television set, an electric kettle, and a rechargeable lamp.
During the trial, Ajayi informed the court that he had previously reported the series of attacks to the police and elders of Ogbomoso in Baboko market but had been pressured to settle the matter within the family. However, the attacks continued, including an incident where he was taken to a bush by thugs hired by the family.
The trial magistrate, Yahaya, found all the family members guilty, stating that their actions were capable of causing chaos in society and should not be encouraged. The court sentenced each of the six defendants to six months imprisonment with an option of a N125,000 fine. The sentences are to run concurrently.
The court also discharged and acquitted the seventh defendant, who was a minor at the time of the incident.
