Anambra Court Jails Two Former Workers For Life Over Employer’s Burglary

By Joseph Egbeocha | IchieTimes

Two former workers who stole ₦2.3 million from their employer’s shop and later burgled her residence, carting away valuables worth more than ₦4.4 million, have been sentenced to life imprisonment by an Anambra State High Court in Onitsha.

Justice Sylvester Odili convicted Emmanuel Obi and Stanley Chukwuebuka Eziorah for conspiracy, stealing and burglary over the incidents, which occurred in February 2021. The court heard that the defendants, who worked as domestic servants and sales assistants to a beverage dealer, broke into her shop at Relief Market and Relief Modern Market and stole ₦2.3 million from a safe.

Days later, the complainant’s residence was burgled, with the attackers taking expensive alcoholic drinks, designer shoes, clothing, rice and other belongings valued at ₦4,438,000. Among the stolen items were Moët, Glenfiddich, Dom Pérignon and Black Label drinks, as well as an ornamental eagle bird treasured by the complainant.

Police investigations led to the recovery of some stolen property from the defendants’ residence. The court also heard that the defendants directed investigators to a native doctor’s shrine where the ornamental eagle bird, which they had allegedly sold, was recovered. They reportedly admitted consuming some of the stolen wines with friends at a party.

Justice Odili ruled that the prosecution had established the charges beyond reasonable doubt, sentencing the defendants to three years’ imprisonment for conspiracy, six years for stealing and life imprisonment for burglary.

The Secretary of the Law Officers Association of Nigeria, Anambra State Chapter, Nonso Emeka, praised the prosecution team led by Chief State Counsel Chinyere Aganama-Onyeze, saying the judgment demonstrated the Ministry of Justice’s commitment to prosecuting offenders and protecting lives and property.