Salesman jailed 3 months for stealing perfume worth N108,000

A 23-year-old salesman, Martins Ovotu is to spend the next three months in the Kirikiri Prison, Lagos, for stealing eight bottles of perfume worth N108,000.

An Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court gave the judgment on Friday and did not give an option of fine.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ovotu had pleaded guilty and prayed for leniency.

“Based on the facts of this case and the plea of leniency, I hereby sentence you to three months’ imprisonment without an option of fine,’’ Magistrate O.A. Layinka, said.

The prosecutor, Donjor Perezi, had told court that Ovotu, whose address is unknown, stole eight bottles of E.U.A de perfume valued at N108,000 on June 8 at 9.30a.m..

He said that the theft occurred at No. 12, Odunuga Street, Opebi, Ikeja.

Perezi submitted that Ovotu, came to the shop of his employer, Mrs Olayori Atinuke, before the other salespersons and stole a bottle of perfume.

He said that the salesman was caught by his employer, who had been suspecting him.

“The accused was caught with the bottle of perfume which he confessed to have stolen.

“Ovotu also later took the complainant –Atinuke – to his house which was searched,’’ he said.

Perezi told the court that seven bottles of perfume were found in Ovutu’s apartment during the search.

NAN reports that stealing contravenes Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.