A Chief Magistrates’ Court in Kaduna has sentenced a 30-year-old unemployed man, Vincent Danladi, to sweep the court premises for three weeks after he was found guilty of theft.
The items stolen included a carton of floor tiles and other materials valued at ₦130,000.
Danladi, a resident of Ungwan Pama in Kaduna, was charged with theft under the Penal Code of Kaduna State, 2017.
He pleaded guilty to the offence during his court appearance on Wednesday, admitting to the allegations brought against him by the prosecution.
In his ruling, Magistrate Ibrahim Emmanuel emphasized that the court had taken into account Danladi’s status as a first-time offender when determining the sentence.
Instead of imposing a fine or custodial punishment, the magistrate ordered Danladi to report to the court daily to sweep its premises for a period of three weeks.
This judgment reflects a rehabilitative rather than punitive approach, particularly for minor offences.According to the prosecution, led by Inspector Chidi Leo, the theft occurred on November 9 at a house under renovation in Sabon Tasha, Kaduna.
Danladi, along with two accomplices who are still at large, was accused of stealing a carton of 3×3 floor tiles, a bucket of paint, and a carton of wall tiles.
The total value of the stolen items was estimated at ₦130,000.Leo explained that during the course of the investigation, the stolen items were recovered, and Danladi was apprehended. His accomplices, however, remain unidentified and are yet to be arrested.
The prosecutor further stated that the theft contravened the provisions of the Kaduna State Penal Code, highlighting the legal consequences of such acts.
While delivering the sentence, Magistrate Emmanuel highlighted the importance of justice tempered with mercy, particularly for first-time offenders.
The court considered Danladi’s economic circumstances and his admission of guilt as mitigating factors. The decision to impose community service instead of imprisonment or a fine aims to provide an opportunity for Danladi to reflect on his actions and reintegrate positively into society.
This judgment has drawn mixed reactions from the public.
While some praise the court’s decision as a progressive move toward restorative justice, others argue that stricter measures are necessary to deter criminal behaviour.
Nonetheless, the case underscores the judiciary’s efforts to balance justice with compassion, particularly for individuals who show remorse for their actions.
Danladi is expected to begin his court-ordered community service immediately, sweeping the premises under the supervision of court officials for the stipulated three weeks.
