Kwara teenager sentenced to one year in prison for arson

An 18-year-old, Olawumi Olamide, has been sentenced to one year in prison by a Kwara State Magistrate Court in Ilorin for setting a three-bedroom bungalow on fire after stealing foodstuffs and a Plasma TV. The sentence was handed down by Magistrate M.A. Yahaya, who ordered Olamide to serve his time at the Federal Correctional Centre in Mandala, Asa Local Government Area.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Kwara State Command arraigned Olamide on Monday, September 30, 2024, for committing arson and theft. According to a statement from the NSCDC’s Public Relations Officer, ASC Ayoola Michael, Olamide was convicted without the option of a fine.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, when Olamide broke into a bungalow owned by Mrs. Bolatito Adebayo in the Afenifere Community, Onireke, Upper Gaa Akanbi, Ilorin South Local Government Area. He reportedly stole various items, including foodstuffs, groceries, and clothing, before setting the house on fire.

When authorities arrived, Olamide attempted to escape by igniting the fire as a distraction and even stabbed a security guard in the area. Despite his efforts, he was captured and handed over to the NSCDC for further investigation and prosecution.

During his trial, Olamide pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy and arson. He admitted that two others were involved in the crime, though they managed to escape and remain at large.

Magistrate Yahaya sentenced Olamide to one year of imprisonment with hard labor. Dr. Umar J.G. Mohammed, the Commandant of the NSCDC Kwara State Command, reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to combating criminal activity in the state and ensuring the safety of its residents.