Lagos magistrates court jails househelp for two months for stealing employers' underwear

LAGOS housekeeper Vivian Simeon-Michael has been sentenced to two months in jail by the Igbosere Magistrates’ Court for stealing her employer's underwear  and other items valued at N295,000 (£960).

 

In a first such conviction of its type, Ms Simeon-Michael, 25, was sentenced to ‎two-month imprisonment without the option of a fine for his offence. Presiding magistrate A T Omoyele, handed down the sentence after Ms Simeon-Michael pleaded guilty to the one-count charge brought against her by the police.

 

While refusing to give the convict the option of a fine, the magistrate stressed that Ms Simeon-Michael is a first offender who must see that crime does not pay.  Police prosecutor, Cyricaus Osuji, had told the court that the housekeeper committed the offence on September 9, at Isale Eko Way, Dolphin Estate Ikoyi, Lagos.

 

He said Ms Simeon-Michael stole the personal effects of her employer, Bisi Awoniyi. According to the prosecutor, the offence contravened Section 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

 

Mr Osuji said: “She stole a set of underwear, three sets of buba and wrappers, seven pieces of pants, bracelet, 10 pieces of handkerchief and seven pieces of face towel. Others items are two pair of stockings, night wears all valued at N295,000."