Notorious Car Mirror Thief, Michael Odu, Receives 4.5-Year Jail Term in Lagos

In a landmark judgment at the Igbosere Magistrates’ Court within the Tinubu Magistrates’ Court, Lagos Island, 23-year-old notorious thief Michael Odu has been sentenced to four years and six months of hard labor for stealing side mirrors valued at N1,540,000 from ten cars. The affected vehicles were owned by Centre Heights property and Mr. Emeka Okonwko, both situated at Ibrahim Waziri Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Chief Magistrate Mrs. A. T. Omoyele handed down the sentence after Odu pleaded guilty to the three counts of stealing brought against him by the police at Bar Beach division, Victoria Island, Lagos. The charges were based on evidence presented by Police Inspector Koti Aodohemba.

Odu’s criminal escapade unfolded on February 9, 2024, when he infiltrated the compound by scaling a fence at 2:30 am. Subsequently, he vandalized ten cars belonging to the complainants, who promptly alerted vigilant security personnel.

The swift response of the Divisional Police Officer, Bar Beach Division, Victoria Island, Lagos, led to Odu’s arrest at the scene. Following an investigation by Inspector Patience Onyeche and her team, the convict from Cross River State faced charges under Sections 308 (2) and 287 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

Magistrate Omoyele, deeming the theft serious, imposed a stringent sentence of four years and six months of imprisonment with hard labour, providing no option for a fine. Odu’s conviction serves as a warning against criminal activities targeting vehicle properties in the state.