In Abeokuta, a 35-year-old man named Kabiru Lawal has been sentenced to three months’ imprisonment by an Abeokuta Chief Magistrates’ Court for stealing eight goats and one ram, collectively valued at ₦300,000. The incident occurred at No. 47, Kuforiji Olubi Drive, Abeokuta, in June 2023.
Lawal, who resides in the Olomore area of Abeokuta, pleaded guilty to charges of stealing and conversion brought against him. Magistrate V.B. William convicted him based on his guilty plea and sentenced him to three months each for the two counts, with the sentences running concurrently. However, the magistrate provided Lawal with an option to restitute the value of the goats and ram to the complainant.
According to Inspector Lawrence Olu-Balogun, the prosecutor, Lawal had fraudulently obtained the goats and ram from Ibrahim Akanbi under the pretense of selling them on his behalf. Instead, Lawal sold all the animals and kept the proceeds for himself. After committing the crime, he fled Ogun State but was later apprehended.
The offences committed by Lawal contravened Section 419(b) and 390(3) of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006.
Despite the option for restitution, Lawal will serve the three-month sentence unless he compensates the complainant as ordered by the court.