An Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan on Monday sentenced an 18-year-old bricklayer, Yusuf Idowu, to six strokes of the cane for stealing cocoa pods.
Idowu was charged with unlawful entry and stealing, to which he pleaded guilty upon arraignment.
The Magistrate, Mrs Gladys Oladele, found him guilty as charged and sentenced him to six strokes of the cane, taking into consideration his age.
Oladele also noted that the stolen items had been recovered, which satisfied one of the interests of the complainant.
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She said the court was mindful that the convict had his life ahead of him and did not want to impose a punishment that could jeopardize his future.
“He is to receive six strokes of the cane and be discharged forthwith, having been cautioned by the court,” the magistrate ruled.
Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp. Samuel Owolabi, told the court that Idowu committed the offenses on January 9 at about 5:30 p.m. at the Ido area of Ibadan.
Owolabi said the defendant unlawfully entered the farm of one Moyofola Gbenga and stole cocoa pods valued at N300,000.
He added that the offenses contravened Sections 81 and 390(9) of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
