Court Sentences Bricklayer to Jail for Stealing Clothes

By David Ojo

A Magistrate’s court sitting in Osogbo on Wednesday sentenced a 28-year-old bricklayer, Aliu Jamiu to two months imprisonment for stealing clothes spread on rope.

The Police prosecutor, Corporal Oluokun Babatunde, informed the court that Jamiu stole the clothes last Monday at Legacy Hotel, Okinni, at about 9:00pm.

He added that the clothes stolen were four T-shirts and two knickers, property of one Akanji Joshua.

The prosecutor stated that the offence is contrary to and punishable under section 390(9) of the criminal code cap.34 vol. II Laws of Osun State Nigeria, 2002.

While presenting the facts of the case, Corporal Babatunde tendered as exhibits, the clothes stolen, and the written confessional statement of the defendant.

The defendant, who was without a defence counsel, pleaded guilty to the one-count charge held against him.

He prayed for the leniency of the court, saying he is a bricklayer and was forced to steal because of lack of money to buy one.

In her ruling, the presiding magistrate, Adebola Odeleye, pronounced Jamiu guilty as charged, sentencing him to two months imprisonment with an option of N20,000 fine.