Yetunde:-
medicines. And that explains her absence in the
number of adjournments in this case and the
convict right now, she is in bad shape. As a result
of this matter and the health of the convict, the
convict has suffered separation from her husband.
The convict is greatly remorseful of all actions
leading to her conviction. We urge the Court to
temper justice with mercy and to consider the fact
that the convict has been in detention with the
prosecution since 29th January, 2019. This fact
only got to me after the proceedings of 11th
March, 2019. I urge the Court to temper Justice
with mercy and be lenient to the convict and grant
the convict a respite of two weeks imprisonment
or option of fine of N50,000.00 only.
Although there is no record of previous conviction,
the law is clear that where the law imposes
mandatory sentence, the Court cannot
hold
otherwise. See the case of EZEANI V FRN
(2019) LPELR 56800. The convict since May,
2016 has been at large and only recently arrested
in another matter at our Uyo office. I also urge the
Court to make an order of restitution under
section 321 (a) Administration of Criminal Justice
Act, 2015.
SENTENCE
In passing the sentence on the 3rd convict, I take into account the
plea of leniency presented by her Counsel, I.U Agala Esq. I note
that the convict is a first offender and she has dependants that
rely on her for their daily bread. I also take into account the fact
of separation of the convict with her husband even though there
is no evidence of marriage as well as separation. I will be lenient
on the convict. However, in being lenient with the convict and the
passionate appeal of Counsel to evoke section 416 (2) (a) and
(b) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, the facts
and circumstances of this case that led to the conviction of the
convict in absential are crystal clear from the records of this case.
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