A 45-year-old man who identified himself as a scavenger, Kamorudeen Salau, has been arrested by officers of the Oyo State Police Command in Ibadan, the state capital.
Salau was on Friday arraigned before an Iwo Road Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing Christmas decorations erected by the Oyo State government.
Oyo state government under the leadership of Mr. Seyi Makinde had recently decorated some roundabouts within the Ibadan metropolis for the Christmas and New Year celebrations with gifts from corporate and individuals.
Oyo State government didn't spend 1 kobo on the Christmas decorations. It was funded by the usual 'Christmas gift' to the governor, that was what we used to pay for the Christmas decorations so it cost government nothing.
— Seyi Makinde (@seyiamakinde) December 21, 2019
But, Salau, whose address was unknown, was arraigned on a one-count charge of stealing on Friday.
The Prosecutor, ASP Sunday Ogunremi, told the court that on Dec. 26, at about 11.30 am., Salau allegedly stole some iron rods, valued at N20,000 and some Christmas decoration materials, valued at N5,000.
Ogunremi said the total value of the stolen items, belonging to Oyo State Government, was N25,000.
He added that the offence was committed at the State Secretariat roundabout, Agodi, Ibadan.
According to him, the offence contravenes Section 390 (9) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
The accused person pleaded guilty to the charge.
The Chief Magistrate, Taiwo Oladiran, ordered that the accused be remanded at the Agodi Correctional Centre till December 30 for reading of fact.
