A Gwagwalada Senior Magistrates’ Court has sentenced Rebecca Danjuma, and Andrew Magdem to 12 strokes of cane each for stealing nine split AC units, and three orthopaedic mattresses from a hotel.

The police charged Ms Danjuma, Mr Magdem and Lamba Ayuba with criminal trespass, joint act and theft.

While Ms Danjuma and Mr Magdem pleaded guilty, Mr Ayuba pleaded not guilty.

Senior Magistrate Muhammad Munir in his judgment, also sentenced Ms Danjuma and Mr Magdem to 30 months imprisonment each, with an option of fine.

“On count one they are sentenced to six months imprisonment or an option of N50,000 fine, while on count two the defendants are sentenced to two years imprisonment or an option of N150,000 fine.

“On count three the defendants are sentenced to 12 strokes of cane each.

“The convicts are to pay a compensation of N1.315, 500 million each to the complainant,” he ruled.

Mr Munir admitted the third defendant to bail in the sum of N500,000 and two sureties in like sum which must reside within the court’s jurisdiction.

He adjourned the case until March 3 for hearing.

The defendants were given 12 strokes of cane each outside the court premises at the presence of onlookers.

Earlier, the prosecution counsel Dabo Yakubu, told the court that the complainant, Ofor Ikechukwu of Dera international hotel Kuje, Abuja, reported the matter at the police station on January 19.

He said that the convicts also stole two ceiling fans and eight units of bed-side fridge all valued at N2.7 million.

(NAN)