A Customary Court in Kafanchan, Kaduna State, has sentenced a 24-year-old mechanic, Usman Sagir, to 12 months in a correctional facility for stealing an electronic amplifier from a church.

Sagir was charged with criminal conspiracy, criminal trespass and theft, contrary to Sections 58, 327 and 270 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law.

The prosecutor, ASP Esther Bishen, told the court that Des Dave reported the matter at the Kafanchan Divisional Police Headquarters on March 27.

Ms Bishen explained that the complainant had gone to the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Kafanchan, for rehearsal when he discovered that unknown persons had broken into the church and stolen an amplifier, valued at N250, 000.

She said the complainant quickly went in search of the thieves, and sighted the defendant carrying the amplifier on Jos Street.

She said he shouted thief, prompting the defendant to throw away the amplifier and took to his heels.

“The complainant ran after the defendant and apprehended him before handing him over to the police.

“The defendant confessed that he conspired with one Ahmed Zawuya, now at large, to commit the crime.

“When the charges were read to the defendant, he pleaded guilty and begged the court for leniency,” the prosecutor said.

In her ruling, the Presiding Judge, Patience Baryat, sentenced the convict to six months imprisonment or a fine of N20, 000 for criminal trespass.

Ms Baryat also sentenced him to six months or a fine of N30, 000 for theft, while striking out the first count charge of criminal conspiracy.

She ruled that the sentences would run concurrently. 

(NAN)