I was hungry – Man says as court sentences him to six months imprisonment for stealing three tubers of yam in Osun
An Osun State Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting in Osogbo on Monday, September 23, sentenced an aluminium worker, Sunday Ejoh, to six months imprisonment for stealing three tubers of yam.
Mr. M. Olatunji, the magistrate presiding over the case, found Ejoh guilty of a single count of theft, valued at N3,000, of which yam tubers.
During the proceedings, the prosecuting attorney, Mr. Jacob Akintunde, recounted the details of the case. He explained, “On September 22, 2024, Sunday Ejoh was caught stealing three tubers of yam, each valued at N3,000, belonging to Oluwole Durojaye.”
Furthermore, the prosecution presented evidence recovered from the defendant, including a cutlass and a pair of slippers, which were recovered during the course of the investigation.
He stated that the offense committed was in violation of and punishable under “Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. II Law of Osun State, Nigeria 2002.”
The artisan, who lacked legal representation, admitted his guilt, explaining that his actions were driven by necessity due to hunger.
“I was hungry, and I have a family to support,” he shared with the court.
In rendering a verdict on the case, Magistrate Olatunji determined the defendant to be guilty and subsequently imposed a sentence of “six months’ imprisonment, with the option of a N25,000 fine.”
Olatunji also directed that the stolen yam should be returned to the owner.
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