Adamawa Court Jails Three Over House Breaking, Theft

The Adamawa State Police Command has secured the conviction of three men involved in a house-breaking and stolen-property case, in a development the Command says underscores its renewed determination to ensure that criminal suspects are properly investigated and prosecuted.

The three defendants were sentenced to between three and seven years imprisonment without an option of fine by Chief Magistrate Court 3, Yola, after they pleaded guilty to various offences connected with the theft of property valued at N300,000.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Yola on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Kabir Umar Hassan.

The case originated from a complaint filed by Ahmad Aliyu of Rumde Ward, Jimeta, who reported that his residence was allegedly broken into at about 3:00 a.m.

According to the police, John Ishaya was accused of gaining entry into the residence and stealing a laptop, a power bank and two pairs of jumpers, with the total value of the items put at N300,000.

What began as a house-breaking complaint subsequently led investigators to two other defendants, Muhammadu Hassan of Yelwa Ward and Abdul’aziz Hassan of Rumde Ward.

Police investigations established that Hassan allegedly assisted in concealing and selling the stolen items, while Abdul’aziz Hassan was accused of receiving the stolen property.

The matter was subsequently taken before Chief Magistrate Court 3, Yola, where the First Information Report was read to the defendants. All three pleaded guilty to the charges against them.

The prosecution, led by Inspector Umar Abdullahi, called two witnesses—the nominal complainant and the investigating police officer—and tendered the recovered exhibits before the court.

After considering the evidence presented by the prosecution as well as the guilty pleas of the defendants, the court convicted and sentenced them.

John Ishaya received three years imprisonment without an option of fine for house breaking and seven years imprisonment without an option of fine for theft in a dwelling house. The two sentences are to run concurrently.

Muhammadu Hassan was sentenced to seven years imprisonment without an option of fine for assisting in the concealment of stolen property.

Abdul’aziz Hassan was also sentenced to seven years imprisonment without an option of fine for dishonestly receiving stolen property.

The convictions mark another outcome in the Police Command’s efforts to move beyond arrests and ensure that cases involving suspected criminal activities are taken through the judicial process.

For residents, the case also highlights how investigations into property-related crimes can extend beyond the immediate suspect to individuals allegedly involved in concealing, selling or receiving stolen items.

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Reacting to the judgment, Commissioner of Police Kabir Umar Hassan commended the judiciary for what he described as the timely dispensation of justice.

He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to conducting diligent investigations and prosecuting criminal cases in accordance with the law.

The Commissioner also called on members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the Police.

He said timely information from residents remains important in preventing crime, facilitating investigations and bringing offenders before the courts.