The Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, on Monday sentenced an 18-year-old bricklayer, Yusuf Idowu, to six strokes of the cane for stealing cocoa pods.

Mr Idowu was charged with unlawful entry and stealing, to which he pleaded guilty after arraignment on Monday.

The magistrate, Gladys Oladele, found Mr Idowu guilty as charged.

She sentenced him to six strokes of the cane, considering his age.

Ms Oladele also considered that the stolen items had been recovered, which satisfied one of the complainant’s interests.

She said the court was mindful that Mr Idowu has his life ahead of him and will not want to do anything to destroy it.

“He is to be given six slashes of the cane and be discharged forthwith, having been cautioned by the court,” she said.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp Samuel Owolabi, told the court that Mr Idowu committed the offences on January 9 at about 5:30 p.m. in the Ido area of Ibadan.

Mr Owolabi said the defendant unlawfully entered the farm of one Moyofola Gbenga and stole cocoa pods worth N300,000.

He said the offence contravened the provisions of Section 81 and 390(9) of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

(NAN)