Teenager Caned 20 Strokes For Theft

An Abuja Senior Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday ordered that Auwual Ibrahim of no fixed address be given 20 strokes of the cane and should also serve a one-month jail term for theft.

The Senior Magistrate, Mr Aminu Abdullahi, who did not give the convict an option of fine, said the sentence would serve as deterrent to other offenders of like minds.

Abdullahi also advised the convict to desist from such an offence as he would be jailed for seven years if he appeared before the court again for a similar offence.

Earlier, the Prosecutor, Mr Paul Anigbo, had told the court that the case was lodged at the Lugbe Police Station on 24 November, by Grace Olukayode of Tudun-Wada, Lugbe, Abuja.

Anigbo said that on that day, Ibrahim went into Olukayode’s compound and stole her Tiger Generator, valued at N16,000.

“Ibrahim was caught trying to escape from the compound with the stolen item, which was recovered from him,” Anigbo said.

The prosecutor said that during investigation, Ibrahim confessed to committing the crime, an offence contrary to Section 287 of the Penal Code and begged for mercy.

He said: “I used to sell sachet water and was using my savings from the business to pay my school fees. I saved some money, which I wanted to use to pay for my school fees, but the money was collected from me by some tax force members.

“A friend of mine advised me to steal, and said that it was a faster means to get rich and that I would make more money, that was how I started stealing.

“I am begging the court to forgive me as I would not commit the offence again.”

The magistrate said that being a first time offender and his plea for leniency, Ibrahim would be considered by the court.

He, however, added that the accused must be punished for the offence to serve as deterrent to others.