By: Sunday Ameh
A 23-year-old labourer, Shuiabu Abubakar, has been sentenced to 30 months imprisonment by a Jos Magistrates’ Court in Plateau State for stealing Ankara wrappers and other clothing materials from a shop.
The defendant, who pleaded guilty to charges bordering on criminal trespass, theft and malicious damage, was however given an option of a N180,000 fine by the presiding magistrate, Hannatu Ashom.
The court ruling followed his arraignment after he was accused of unlawfully breaking into a shop and making away with valuable clothing materials belonging to a trader.
During the hearing, the prosecuting counsel, Ibrahim Gokwat, informed the court that the matter was initially reported at the Nassarawa Gwong Police Station by the complainant, Shakira Abdullazeez.
According to the prosecutor, the convict unlawfully gained access to the complainant’s shop and stole Ankara wrappers and other clothing materials valued at approximately N158,000.
Gokwat told the court that police investigations later led to the recovery of some of the stolen items from the defendant.
“Investigation revealed that the defendant trespassed into the complainant’s shop and carted away Ankara wrappers and other clothing materials worth N158,000. Some of the stolen items were later recovered during police investigation,” the prosecutor said.
He added that the offences committed by the defendant contravened relevant provisions of the Plateau State Penal Code Law.
Following his guilty plea, Magistrate Ashom convicted and sentenced Abubakar to 30 months imprisonment but granted him the option of paying a N180,000 fine.
The court held that the punishment was intended to serve as a deterrent to others who may contemplate engaging in criminal activities.
The development comes amid growing concerns over rising cases of theft and property-related crimes across parts of the country, with security agencies and judicial authorities continuing efforts to curb such offences through enforcement and prosecution.
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