A Jos Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday sentenced a 32-year-old panel beater, Husseini Bello, to four years in prison after finding him guilty of robbery, conspiracy and causing harm in a violent attack on a female tricycle passenger.
Bello, who was arraigned on a three-count charge by the police, pleaded guilty to all the charges, paving the way for his conviction.
Magistrate Irene Pati handed down the sentence, imposing one year imprisonment for conspiracy with an option of a ₦20,000 fine, another one year for use of force with an option of a ₦30,000 fine, and two years for causing harm with an option of a ₦50,000 fine. The court also ordered him to pay ₦150,000 as compensation to the victim.
Prosecutor Ibrahim Gokwat told the court that the incident was reported on March 12 at the ‘A’ Division Police Station in Jos by the complainant, Precious Ikechukwu.
He said Bello and an accomplice, who is still at large, conspired to rob the victim while she was inside a commercial tricycle. According to him, the duo dispossessed her of a bag containing ₦75,000 and forcefully pushed her out of the moving vehicle, leaving her with injuries.
The prosecution’s account was not challenged, following the defendant’s guilty plea, which the court relied upon in delivering judgment.