“I’m hungry and need to feed my family” – Yam thief tells court
Story by Jane AISO
The Osun State Chief Magistrate Court has sentenced a family man to six months imprisonment for stealing 3 tubers of yam.
The man, Sunday Ejoh, an aluminum worker, who appeared before Magistrate M. Olatunji on Monday, had been arraigned on one count of stealing yam, valued at N3,000.
Giving the facts of the case, the prosecutor in charge, Mr Jacob Akintunde, said, “Ejoh, on September 22nd, 2024, did steal three tubers of yam valued at N3,000 belonging to one Oluwole Durojaye.”
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The prosecutor stated that the stolen Tubers, a cutlass, and a pair of slippers were recovered from the defendant.
He added that the offence committed was contrary to, and punishable under “Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. II Law of Osun State, Nigeria 2002.”
The artisan, who had no legal representation, pleaded guilty, stating that hunger had compelled him to commit the crime.
“I was hungry, and I have a family,” he told the court.
Delivering judgment on the matter, Magistrate Olatunji found the defendant guilty and subsequently sentenced him to “six months’ imprisonment with an option of a N25,000 fine.”
The court has also directed that the stolen yam should be returned to the owner.
Proofreading by Gift Luckson, Editor at Neptune Prime.
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