By Oluwadamilola Akinduro

A 22-year old man, Kenneth Godgift, has been sentenced to one year imprisonment by an Akure Magistrate’s Court for stealing cocoa beans worth N200,000.

Godgift was convicted after he pleaded guilty to a charge of unlawful stealing, which occurred on May 10, 2025, around 6:00 a.m., at Wasimi community in the Bolorunduro area of Ondo State.

According to the prosecution, the convict unlawfully stole cocoa beans belonging to one Victor Raji.

The Police prosecutor, Taiwo Oniyere, informed the court that the offence contravened Sections 383 and 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Volume 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.

Following his guilty plea, the prosecutor urged the court to mete out a punishment that would serve as a deterrent to others.

In his ruling, Magistrate Olusola Olujobi described Godgift’s action as a grave offence and thereafter sentenced him to one year imprisonment.

However, the court gave him an option of a ₦50,000 fine.