By John Dike, Osogbo
A Magistrate Court sitting in Osogbo on Wednesday sentenced a 28-year-old ex-convict, Jimoh Akeem, to three years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine for stealing 17 tubers of yam.
The Prosecutor, Corporal Oluokun Babatunde, informed the court that the stolen yams, valued at ₦35,000, belonged to one Tiamiyu Abegunde. He said that the offence was committed at about 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 27, 2025, behind Africa Primary School in the Ataoja area of Osogbo.
Corporal Babatunde further disclosed that Akeem, who had only recently completed a previous three-year sentence, was caught red-handed committing the fresh offence.
“That you, Jimoh Akeem ‘M’, on the 27th July, 2025, at about 10:00pm, at the back of Africa Primary School, Ataoja Area, Osogbo, in the Osogbo Magisterial District, did steal 17 pieces of yam valued at ₦35,000.00, property of one Tiamiyu Abegunde ‘M’, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. II, Laws of Osun State of Nigeria, 2003.”
Upon arraignment, Akeem pleaded guilty to the one-count charge and begged for leniency, explaining that he resorted to theft out of sheer hunger. He told the court that he was formerly a mechanic but had to close down his workshop after being evicted by his landlord.
“I was hungry and had no job. That was why I stole the yams,” Akeem said tearfully. “I beg this court to have mercy on me. The yams have already been recovered.”
Despite the emotional plea, Magistrate M.A. Olatunji ruled that the court was not moved. In delivering judgment, the magistrate said that while the court sympathized with his condition, the law must take its course.
Akeem was subsequently sentenced to three years in prison without the option of a fine.
