In a string of judgments delivered on Wednesday across various Nigerian cities, five individuals were convicted for theft-related offenses ranging from the stealing of construction materials and electronics to cash withdrawals using a stolen ATM card.
In Ibadan, two men — Daniel Yakubu, 29, and Joshua Jonathan, 26 — were arraigned before an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing iron rods worth N2.3 million from a construction site.
Prosecutor Inspector Elisha Tellang told the court that the duo not only stole the rods but also maliciously damaged the lintel of the building belonging to one Mrs. Tawakalitu Abanikanda. They pleaded not guilty and were granted bail of N200,000 each, with the case adjourned to June 24.
In Kaduna, 19-year-old Abdulgafar Aminu was sentenced to six months in prison for stealing N450,000 using a stolen ATM card.
Magistrate Ibrahim Emmanuel gave him an option of N30,000 fine, but also ordered full restitution of the stolen funds to the complainant, Shuaibu Dauda, or face an additional year in prison.
Police reports revealed that Aminu had withdrawn the money in several tranches before a suspicious POS operator flagged the card.
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Meanwhile, Jos saw three separate convictions in Area Courts, all involving theft of physical items. Abdulrazaq Musa was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment for stealing three television sets and a car battery valued at N125,000. He was given the option to pay a N150,000 fine and N60,000 in compensation, or face extended jail time.
In another case, Musa Zakari, a mason, was convicted for stealing two mobile phones worth N110,000. He received a six-month jail term, with an option of N30,000 fine and a compensation order of N110,000 to the victim, Mr. Miri Selnan.
The most minor yet still penalized theft occurred when Aminu Tijjani, a bus conductor, was sentenced to three months imprisonment for stealing a pair of shoes valued at N15,000.
He was given an option of N20,000 fine and ordered to pay N20,000 compensation to the victim, Mr. Muktar Tasiu.
Presiding judges in all cases emphasized deterrence and accountability. “Whether it’s a multimillion-naira theft or a pair of shoes, the rule of law must apply,” said Magistrate Shawomi Bokkos in Jos. Legal observers noted that the courts are maintaining a consistent stance in imposing both punitive and restorative measures in cases of theft.
As convictions mount, local authorities continue to urge citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity, while courts balance justice with opportunities for restitution.
NAN
