An Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court on Friday sentenced a 23-year-old Sulaiman Aliyu to four years imprisonment, for escaping from court while waiting for his trial.
Aliyu, whose residential address was not given, was charged with attempting to obstruct and prevent the court proceedings by escaping from the courtroom.
He pleaded guilty to the charge.
The Magistrate, Mr S.S. Shotayo, however, sentenced Aliyu to four years imprisonment with hard labour, without an option of fine.
Earlier, the prosecutor, ASP Wale Diyaolu, told the court that the convict committed the offence on March 9 at about 11.30 a.m. at Isabo Magistrates’ Court, Abeokuta.
Diyaolu said that the convict was docked for stealing and conspiracy with the charge No. MAY/18C/2022.
He noted that the case of conspiracy and stealing he was charged for, was stood down until 2.00 p.m. for trial.
“The defendant, before the time he will be called for his case, perfectly removed the handcuffs and ran out of the courtroom and the court premises.
“The correctional service officers were quickly alerted, and they went in search of the defendant outside the court premises.
“He was caught and brought back to the courtroom,” the prosecutor said.
Diyaolu stated that the offence contravened Section 135 of the Criminal Code Law of Ogun, 2006.