By Moridiyah Jimoh
A 20-year -old mechanic apprentice, Thomas Julius, has been sentenced to three months in prison by a Chief Magistrates’ Court in Akure for stealing cocoa beans worth ₦100,000.
The presiding Magistrate, O. Omotosho, handed down the sentence after Julius pleaded guilty to a single count of stealing filed against him by the police.
According to the prosecutor, Inspector Nelson Akintimehin, the incident occurred on September 29, 2025, at around 6:00 p.m. in the Ala community of Akure North Local Government area, Ondo State.
Julius was said to have unlawfully entered a farm and stolen fresh cocoa beans valued at ₦100,000.
Inspector Akintimehin noted that the offence contravened Section 390(9) of the Criminal Law of Ondo State, 2006.
Given the defendant’s admission of guilt, the prosecutor urged the court to proceed with sentencing and presented the stolen cocoa beans as evidence.
In her ruling, Magistrate Omotosho found Julius guilty and sentenced him to three months’ imprisonment without an option of a fine.
She also cautioned him against engaging in further criminal activity, warning that continued misconduct could jeopardize his future.