By Bashir Adefaka & Alade Aromashodu

The four Nigerian stowaways who were arrested last month by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in-charge of Maritime Police Command, AIG Muhammad Musa Katsina, and charged to court have been convicted.

*Airport

According to a statement signed by the Maritime Police Command Public Relations Officer (PRO), ASP Sadik Olatunde, the stowaways were arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy and entering a ship without a ticket, contrary to and punishable under section 398 and 410 Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria.

“They all pleaded guilty to the two count charge. While the duo of Ahmed Azeez ‘m’ and Adewale Sunday ‘m’ were sentenced to six (6) weeks community services each for being a first time offenders, Prince Yagba Tunde ‘m’ and Ajose Kehinde ‘m’ were both sentenced to six (6) months imprisonment each without an option of fine being habitual offenders.”

The command spokesman, Sadik Olatunde, said the Assistant Inspector-General of Police Maritime Police Command, reacting to the development, had commended the judiciary for such a speedy trial as it would serve as a deterrent to others.