A Chief Magistrates’ Court in Kaduna has sentenced a 21-year-old man, Ibrahim Usman, to eight strokes of the cane after he admitted to stealing a she-goat.
The verdict was delivered on Thursday by Magistrate Ibrahim Emmanuel, who opted for corporal punishment in light of the defendant’s immediate confession.
Usman, who described himself as a scavenger, pleaded guilty and asked for leniency, claiming he was influenced by his friends. According to the Prosecution Counsel, Inspector Chidi Leo, the theft occurred on October 6 in the Ungwan Rimi area of Kaduna. Usman was caught by local vigilantes on Ali Akilu Road with the stolen goat but could not explain how he obtained it.
When questioned by the police, Usman confessed that he had stolen the goat from a neighbor’s property. His actions were found to be in violation of the Penal Code of Kaduna State, 2017.
Magistrate Emmanuel explained that the court showed leniency because Usman promptly admitted his wrongdoing. He cautioned Usman to avoid criminal activities in the future, warning that the court may not be as forgiving if he reoffends.
