A 34-year-old man, Ejike Nnam, has been sentenced to five years in prison for robbery after stealing an iPhone XR valued at ₦240,000 in Enugu State, according to the state police command.

The sentence followed Nnam’s appearance before the Enugu North Magistrate Court, where he pleaded guilty and was convicted, the police said in a statement issued on Saturday, October 10, by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe.

According to the police, the incident occurred at about 8 p.m. on October 8 along Bisalla Road, Enugu, when Nnam allegedly snatched the phone from a woman with the help of an accomplice who remains at large.

He was arrested and brought before the court the following day. The court handed him five years’ imprisonment for robbery and three years for conspiracy, with both sentences to run concurrently. This means the sentences are served at the same time rather than one after the other.

In a separate case, the police reported that a 29-year-old man, Richard Chukwuma, had been remanded at the Enugu Correctional Centre over the alleged theft of alcoholic beverages from a supermarket.

Chukwuma was reportedly arrested at about 6:50 p.m. on October 7 after he was allegedly caught with a bottle of Jameson Green Whisky valued at ₦30,150.

The police further alleged that during interrogation, he admitted to previously stealing 15 bottles of the same whisky from the supermarket. He was arraigned on October 9 and remanded in custody. The allegation remains distinct from a conviction, and the reported admission does not replace the need for the matter to be determined by a court.

Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commended the presiding Chief Magistrate for the prompt conclusion of Nnam’s case. He also praised officers of the New Haven Police Division and the prosecution team for their work.

Giwa urged the courts and relevant authorities to ensure that criminal cases are handled without unnecessary delays, saying timely justice can strengthen public confidence in the justice system and support crime prevention.

The commissioner also reiterated the command’s commitment to investigating and prosecuting criminal cases in accordance with the law. He encouraged residents to remain alert and report suspicious activities to the police.

The two cases highlight the different stages of criminal proceedings: Nnam has been convicted and sentenced, while Chukwuma has been remanded over allegations that remain subject to the judicial process.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia