A Magistrate Court in Osogbo, Osun State, has sentenced an artisan, Sunday Ejoh, to six months in correctional custody for stealing three tubers of yams. Ejoh, who specializes in aluminum work, was arraigned on Monday on a single count of theft.
Police prosecutor, ASP Jacob Akitunde, informed the court that the offense took place on Sunday, September 22, 2024, in Okinni, Egbedore local government area of Osun State. The three tubers of yams, valued at N3,000, belonged to Olawole Durojaye, and the crime violated section 390(9) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. II Law of Osun State, Nigeria 2002.
Without legal representation, Ejoh pleaded guilty, explaining, “I am hungry, and I have a family.” Akitunde revealed that police recovered a cutlass and slippers from the defendant during the investigation.
The presiding magistrate, M.A. Olatunji, sentenced Ejoh to six months imprisonment but offered an option of a N25,000 fine.