NAN-H-14
Student
By Nuhu Martha Asama
Jos, Sept. 22, 2016 (NAN) He pleaded guilty to stealing alcoholic drinks worth N18,000.
“It was hunger that made me do it; I wanted to sell the bottles of drinks so I can buy food to eat.
“It is the work of the devil, have mercy on me,” pleaded an 18-year-old student, Joseph Jatau at a Jos Chief Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
Jatau of Jenta Makeri Street, Jos, was found guilty of stealing and sentenced to to six months in prison.
The magistrate, Mr Jovita Binjin said, “I hereby sentence you to six months imprisonment for the offence of theft or you’ll pay a fine of N3, 000.”
The magistrate said that the sentence was meant to serve as a deterrent to those who might want to engage in similar acts.
Earlier, the police prosecutor, Sgt. Thomas Amuku, told the court that one Fidelis Uda of Ochise Bar and Restaurant reported the matter at the ‘A’ Division police station on Sept. 14.
Amuku said that the accused went into the complainant’s bar and stole 13 bottles of Smirnoff Ice drinks valued at N18, 000.
He said that the accused was trying to flee when he was apprehended by vigilant security men.
The prosecutor said that during police investigation, the accused confessed to have committed the crime, stating that it was the third time he was stealing from the same bar.
He added that the offence contravened the provisions of section 288 of the Penal Code.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that it was unclear if the convict was able to pay the N3,000 in lieu or went straight to prison to serve his jail term. (NAN)
ADY/MA/BOS (Controlled by Dele Bodunde)