It was a show of shame and a clear case of lack of parental care when three female teenagers, Maria Falolu, 14, Jelila Abbass, 15 and Adijat Seidu, 16, were arraigned before an Apapa Magistrates' Court, Lagos State, for stealing a gold necklace valued at several thousands of naira from a shop at the Ijaniki area of the state.
Apart from the necklace, the girls were also accused of stealing a laptop, a phone and an unspecified amount in cash.
The teenagers who are said to be notorious for pilfering things in shops around the area, were arrested by residents at the shop located at No. 1, Ojolowo Street, Otto Awori, Ijanikin, after the owner of the shop, Yetunde Awolola, raised an alarm of the theft, and were handed over to the policemen attached to Ijanikin Division.
Police investigation revealed that the suspects live with their parents within the vicinity of Ijanikin in Otto Awori Local Council Development Area, where the crime was committed.
A police source disclosed that the modus operandi of the suspects was that they would enter into a shop, demand for an item that is not available in the shop and while the attendant is attending to one of them, the others would stealthily pick items.
The girls pleaded guilty to the crime and were taken to Idi-Araba Remand Home where they will be rehabilitated.