Court sentences man to 11 years imprisonment for child theft

An Asaba, Delta State Magistrate’s Court yesterday sentenced Mr. Onyemaechi Alor to 11 years imprisonment without any option of fine for conspiracy and child theft.

In Suit No. CMA/368c/2014 COP v. Onyemaechi Alor, the convict was docked on two -count charge of conspiracy to commit child stealing and child stealing, offences punishable under sections 516 and 371 of the Criminal Code Law Cap C21, Vol.1 Laws of Delta State, 2006.

According to prosecution witnesses, on May 21, 2014, the accused stole two young boys, Godspower, five and Destiny, seven, while playing in their housing estate in Asaba on the pretence of taking them to a barber to have their hair cut.

Instead of taking the boys, who usually referred to him as ‘uncle’ to the saloon, Alor took them to Abia State where he sold them at N700,000 and N400,000 respectively to a woman who kept them locked up in a room.

The accused person and his accomplice,(the woman) were later arrested and handcuffed by two police officers disguised as Alhajis (buyers) and recovered the boys. The culprits were afterwards taken from Abia State to Delta State Police Command where they were eventually charged to court.