Man, 27, bags 6-month jail term for stealing N1,200

An Abuja Senior Magistrates’ Court on Friday sentenced 27-year-old Lekan Azeez of Gishiri village, Abuja, to six months imprisonment for stealing N1,200 from one Alhaji Bala.
The Senior Magistrate, Mrs Ann Akobi, however, gave the convict an option of N2, 000 as fine.
Akobi said that the offence, commonly known as ``pick pocket’’ was becoming a common practice in the FCT and the best way to curb it was punishment.
She said that the sentence would serve as deterrent to other offenders of like minds.
Earlier, the prosecutor, Monday Akor had told the court that the case was reported at the Maitama Police Station by one Inspector Ayuba attached to the Police Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Akor said that Azeez stole N1, 200 from Alhaji Bala of No. Katsina-Ala Street, Maitama, Abuja, at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.
He said that the money was recovered from Azeez during investigation, an offence which contravened the provisions of Section 287 of the Penal Code.
Azeez pleaded guilty to the charge and begged for mercy.
He said: ``I was hungry. I did not know what came over me on that day that made me to steal. I have never stole before and pray the court to forgive me.’’
Magistrate Akobi said that the accused had not been able to give tangible reasons to the court on why he should not be punished for the offence.
She also ordered that the money recovered be returned to Bala.