In Abuja, a 40-year-old panel beater, Adebo John, was sentenced to three years in prison by a Dei-dei Grade I Area Court for the theft of his customer’s car.
John, who pleaded guilty and was convicted, begged the court for leniency before being sentenced.
The judge, Saminu Suleiman, gave John the option of paying a fine of N300,000 and admonished him to refrain from criminal activities and maintain good conduct.
The prosecution, represented by Chinedu Ogada, informed the court that the victim, Igwe Ukoha, lodged a complaint at Zuba Police Station.
Ogada explained that Ukoha had entrusted John with his vehicle for panel beating and painting, but instead, John took the car to Kaduna State for sale.
According to the prosecution, John was apprehended by surveillance operatives from the Kaduna Police Command, with the offense violating Section 287 of the Penal Code.
Section 287 stipulates that theft offenders may face imprisonment for up to five years, a fine, or both as punishment.