Court Sentences Four Malaysia-Bound Stowaways to Prison, Community Service

By Chiemelie Ezeobi

Four Malaysia-bound serial stowaways who were recently arrested and charged to court by the maritime component of the Nigerian Police have been convicted and sent to prison as well as community service for conspiracy and boarding illegally.

The stowaways, who were identified as 24-year-old Ahmed Azeez, 33-year-old Tunde Yagba, 33-year-old Ajose Kehinde and 25-year-old Adewale Sunday, were convicted by the court and given different sentences ranging from imprisonment to community service.

While the duo of Azeez and Sunday  were sentenced to six weeks’ community service each for being first time offenders, Tunde and Kehinde were both sentenced to six months imprisonment each without an option of fine for being habitual offenders.

Speaking with THISDAY, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Maritime Police Command, ASP Sadik Olatunde, said they were convicted on two-count charges for illegally stowing away on the MV Maesrk Casablanca cargo vessel.

He said, “The stowaways arrested and paraded on May 31, 2016 by the Assistant Inspector General of Police in- charge-of Maritime Police Command, AIG Musa Katsina, have all been convicted.

” They were charged on a two-count charge of conspiracy and entering a ship without a ticket. This offences are contrary to and punishable under section 398 and 410 Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria.

“They all pled guilty to the two charges. While the duo of Ahmed Azeez and Adewale Sunday were sentenced to six weeks community services each for being first time offenders, Prince Yagba Tunde and Ajose Kehinde were both sentenced to six months imprisonment each without an option of fine being habitual offenders.

“The AIG maritime command wishes to commend the judiciary for such a speedy trial as it would serve as a deterrent to others.”

Further details later