A 24-year-old mechanic, Gabriel Sunday, has been sentenced to six months imprisonment by an Area Court in Jos, Plateau State, for allegedly breaking into a shop and stealing trousers and other valuable items.
Judge Shawomi Bokkos delivered the verdict after Sunday confessed to the crime. However, the judge provided an alternative option for the accused to pay a fine of N10,000.
In addition to the prison term, Sunday was ordered to compensate the complainant, Charity Dalong, with the sum of N54,000. This ruling serves as a deterrent to others who may consider engaging in similar acts.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the case was reported to the Angl-Jos Police Station by Dalong on May 16. The prosecutor, Ibrahim Gokwat, informed the court that the convict, along with an accomplice who is currently at large, broke into the shop and stole trousers worth N12,000 and kitchen utensils worth N54,000.
During the police investigation, the stolen trousers were found in possession of the convict, while his accomplice managed to escape with the kitchen utensils.
The offense committed by Sunday is in violation of the Penal Code Law of Plateau State, as stated by the prosecutor. The judgment emphasizes the consequences individuals face for engaging in burglary and theft, serving as a warning to potential offenders.