I Was Hungry - Man Tells Court After He Was Sentenced To Six months Imprisonment For Stealing Three Yam Tubers In Osun

An aluminium worker, Sunday Ejoh, was on Monday, September 23, sentenced to six months imprisonment by an Osun State Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting in Osogbo, over the theft of three tubers of yam.

Ejoh who appeared before Magistrate Mr M. Olatunji, had been arraigned on one count of theft of the yam, valued at N3,000.

Giving the facts of the case, the prosecutor in charge, Mr Jacob Akintunde, said, “Ejoh, on September 22nd, 2024, did steal three tubers of yam valued at N3,000 belonging to one Oluwole Durojaye.”

The prosecutor stated that the stolen tubers, a cutlass, and a pair of slippers were recovered from the defendant.

He added that the offence committed was contrary to and punishable under “Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. II Law of Osun State, Nigeria 2002.”

The artisan, who had no legal representation, pleaded guilty, stating that hunger had compelled him to commit the crime.

"I was hungry, and I have a family," he told the court.

Delivering judgment on the matter, Magistrate Olatunji found the defendant guilty and subsequently sentenced him to “six months’ imprisonment with an option of a N25,000 fine.”

Olatunji also directed that the stolen yam should be returned to the owner.