Boy, 13, in court over alleged battery theft

A 13-years-old boy on Monday appeared before an Oredo Family Court 2 over alleged theft of car battery and side-mirror.

According to the charge sheet, the boy committed the offence with three others still at large, on Dec. 25, 2018, at No. 21, Easy Motion Street, Off Saint Saviour Road, Evboriaria, Benin City.

The police prosecutor, Insp. Thomas Omokaro who read the charges, said the defendant and three others still at large, conspired with each other to commit felony to wit: stealing.

He said the offence committed is punishable under Section 516 of the Criminal Code Cap 48 Vol II of the defunct Bendel State Laws of Nigeria 1976 now applicable in Edo.

On the second count, the prosecutor said that the accused and the three others still at large, stole the battery valued N20, 000 and two side mirrors valued N5, 000, thereby, committed an offence punishable under Section 390 (9) of the same laws.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr E. I. Adamagbo, however, did not take the plea of the boy, saying the court has no jurisdiction to hear the case.

The case has been adjourned to Feb. 13, pending its transfer to an appropriate court.(NAN)