Drama as accused changes plea before judgment.

There was a mild drama on Monday at an Oshodi Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, when a motorcyclist, who had earlier pleaded guilty to the offense of theft, changed his plea on the verge of being sentenced.

Raimi, 29, who resides at 11, Ikola St., Agbado-Ijaye, a Lagos suburb, was arraigned on August 2 over alleged theft of a motorcycle.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Raimi stunned the court when he entered a plea of not guilty.

The Magistrate, Mr Akeem Fashola, had remanded the accused in Kirikiri Prisons after he pleaded guilty to the offence.

Consequently, Fashola had adjourned the case to August 19 for facts and sentence.

At the resumption of hearing on Monday, Raimi told the court that his initial plea was made without an understanding of the enormity of his action.

He was granted bail in the sum of N50, 000 with one surety in like sum.

The case was adjourned to August 29 for trial.