Man Convicted For Stealing Tubers Of Yam

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

A 26-year old man, Okon Happiness, who stole three tubers of yam in the market, has confessed that he was hungry and had to steal the yams to cook to survive in order not to starve to death in Lagos.

P.M.EXPRESS reports that the incident happened at a shop in Ikotun area of Lagos where one Mrs Kehinde Lawanson sells yams. The total cost of the yams which Happiness stole was put at N2100.

It was not confirmed if he had a job or lost his job as the police did not state such when he was arraigned in court.
He was charged before the Ejigbo Magistrates court and he pleaded guilty to the charge of stealing. The court found him guilty as charged and sentenced accordingly.
Happiness was said to have gone to the shop, stole the yams and was escaping but was unlucky as the owner caught him and handed him over to the police at Ikotun Division.
At the station, Happiness reportedly told the police that it was not a case of stealing as he saw the yams and collected only three which he had intended to cook because he was hungry as he had no money to buy food. It was gathered that the police tried to resolve the matter but the complainant insisted that the matter be charged to court to serve as deterrent to others who might want to try such in future.
He was charged to court, he admitted and pleaded guilty. The prosecutor, Supol Kenneth Asibor, presented the facts before the court and asked the court to sentence him to serve as deterrent to others.
The Presiding Magistrate, Mr. T.O. Shomade found him guilty as charged by the police. Happiness pleaded for lenience and promised that he will not try such in future.
The court sentenced him to 14 hours of community service within the court premises.