One Thomas Abu, 29, of Aso Pada, Mararaba, who was charged with stealing N3, 000 from his girlfriend’s purse without her consent, was yesterday discharged by a Grade 1 area court in Aso Pada, Mararaba.
The judge, Mr. Albert Maga, struck out the case and discharged the accused after the prosecutor, Cpl Friday Enumaje, told the court that he could not locate the complainant.
“This is a case of theft brought by the Commissioner of Police; the prosecution has failed to produce any witness in the matter as they could not locate the complainant.
“I hereby invoke Section 165 of the Criminal Procedure code to strike out the matter and discharge the accused for want of diligent prosecution,” the judge said.
Maga advised Abu to stop committing crime and be close to God.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Abu was arraigned on May 20 for theft.
Enumaje told the court that one Comfort James of same address as the accused lodged a complaint against the accused, her boyfriend, at the Aso Pada Police Station on May 13.
He said the accused stole the money when he visited James in her house on May 11.
He adds: “She went out to buy some fish and tomatoes at a nearby shop and the accused took N3, 000 from her purse that was on the bed without her consent.’’
The prosecutor said Abu was arrested later with the said amount.
However, Abu pleaded guilty to the charge, saying it was the handiwork of the devil.
“`I don’t know why I did it; I think it is the handiwork of the devil; please forgive me, I will never do it again,” he pleaded. (NAN)
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