A Senior Magistrates’ Court 1, Mararaba, Nasarawa state, has ordered the police to administer 12 lashes of the case on a minor, Abubakar Lawal, for stealing toilet sets.
Senior Magistrate Iliya Aku gave the order after Abubakar, aged 16 years, pleaded guilty to a two-count charge of criminal conspiracy and theft.
“Since the convict is a minor and won’t be able to withstand prison term, I have given this judgment to serve as a deterrent to other minors like him,” he said.
The magistrate also ordered that: “His guardians must report to the court with him every Friday until the court sees a difference in his character.
“The properties he stole should be returned to the Nasarawa state government International Market.’’
The police prosecutor, Mr Steven Kwaza, had told the court that the matter was reported at the Sani Abacha Road Police Station, Mararaba, by one Sunday Jonathan of Masaka, Nasarawa state, on May 8.
Kwaza said the convict and one Enes (now at large), conspired and made away with some sets of ceramic toilet sets, of unknown value.
He said that Abubakar had confessed to the crime during police investigation.
The prosecutor said the offence of criminal conspiracy and theft contravened Sections 97 and 287 of the Penal Code. (NAN)