A 25-year-old man, Arinzechukwu Igbudu, was brought before the Abakaliki Magistrates’ Court in Ebonyi State on Monday, facing charges of theft and drug possession. The accused appeared before Magistrate Lillian Ogodo, where he was charged with housebreaking, stealing food items, and having illicit drugs, including marijuana and methamphetamine (locally known as ‘Mkpurummiri’).
Igbudu, who did not have legal counsel, pleaded guilty to the charges. Magistrate Ogodo imposed a fine of ₦20,000 and ordered Igbudu to pay ₦150,000 in restitution to the victim, Chidimma Nnemna. Failure to make the payments would result in a two-year imprisonment sentence.
The prosecution, led by ASP Eze Ndubuaku, explained that the incident occurred on March 15 in Odenigbo, Okpuitumu village, within the Abakaliki Local Government Area. Igbudu allegedly broke into Nnemna’s shop and stole foodstuffs, including rice, tomato paste, beverages, and milk, valued at ₦123,100.
In addition to the theft, Igbudu was found in possession of illegal substances, for which he failed to provide a reasonable explanation. These offenses are punishable under Section 413(a) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 33, Volume I, Laws of Ebonyi State, 2009.
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