A Magistrate’s Court in Jos on Thursday sentenced a 25-year-old businessman, Victor Danladi, to six months in prison for stealing a water pump unit.
Mr Shawomi Bokkos, the trial judge, sentenced Danladi summarily after he pleaded guilty to the crime.
The court, on the other hand, provided the convict the option of paying a N20,000 fine.
He also ordered him to pay the complainant N150,000 in compensation or face six months in jail.
The court reasoned that the punishment would dissuade future perpetrators.
Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Insp. Ibrahim Gokwat, told the court that the matter was reported on Nov. 16 at the Area Command Police Station Jos by the complainant, Muktari Umar.
According to the prosecutor, the defendant went to the complainant’s farm and took a water machine worth N120,000 and vegetables worth N30,000.
He said the offence is punishable under the Plateau State Penal Code Law.
