A motorcycle mechanic apprentice, Yusuf Adebayo, was yesterday convicted by an Area Court sitting at Centre-Igboro, Ilorin for stealing five litres of vegetable oil.

The conviction came after he pleaded guilty to one count charge of stealing preferred against by the Police. He was consequently sentenced to two months imprisonment with option of fine of N20,000.

Adebayo, a resident of Gambari Area of Ilorin, however, told the Court while entering his plea that severe hunger led him into the criminal.

He informed that his accomplice, Tunde Faruk, who is currently at large, took him to the spot where the crime was committed.

Police witness, Roseline Babalola, told the Court that the convict was arrested by one Taofik Lawal, a member of Oodua People's Congress July 16, 2016 at Taiwo Road, Ilorin after he allegedly stole five litres of vegetable oil belonging to one Anyache Patrick.

She said the accused upon being interrogated voluntarily confessed to the crime, saying the second suspect, Tunde Faruk, bolted away while effort was on to apprehend him.

The witness, a Police Investigation Officer, with Surulere 'B' Division of Kwara State Police Command, said the stolen item was later released to the owner, Patrick on bond because it was perishable good.

Police prosecutor, Adu Bilikis, on the order of the Court had called in a lone witness during the trial of the accused yesterday after which confessional statement and other items were admitted and marked as exhibit.

When cross-examined in Court, the accused pleaded guilty to the crime but maintained that he has never involved in any criminal act.

Adebayo, a father of one, explained that he took into the act because of hunger and preparatory to his disengagement from motorcycle mechanic apprenticeship.

The accused, who said he regretted committing the crime, promised not to go back to his bad way.

After listening to his plea, the presiding judge, Mr Umar Ibrahim Abdulqadir, sentenced the accused to two months imprisonment with option of fine of N20,000.