An Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court, sitting in the Isabo area of Ogun State, has sentenced a mother and daughter, Falilatu Amidu and Ayisatu Amidu, to six months imprisonment each for stealing dried ponmo (cow skin), stock fish, and dried meat.

The duo was convicted on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing on Friday, March 28, 2025.

Presiding Magistrate, O.O. Odumosu, ruled that the prosecution had successfully established its case beyond reasonable doubt, proving that the accused were guilty as charged.

Prosecuting officer, Inspector Kehinde Fawunmi, informed the court that the crime was perpetrated at Lafenwa Market, Abeokuta, in August 2024.

Fawunmi explained that Falilatu conspired with her daughter, Ayisatu, to steal a large sack containing stock fish, dried ponmo, and dried cow meat valued at N1 million, belonging to one Kafayat Alao.

According to him, Falilatu had been assisting the complainant in carrying goods from her store to her sales point.

“The complainant requested Falilatu’s help to transport some goods from the store. However, after waiting for over an hour without sighting the defendant, she decided to check the store.

“On getting there, she discovered that Falilatu was nowhere to be found, and a big bag containing dried meat, ponmo, and stock fish had disappeared,” he narrated.

The prosecutor further stated that Falilatu stole the items and handed them over to her daughter, Ayisatu, for sale, knowing fully well they were stolen.

The offences contravened Sections 516, 390(9), and 127 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006.

Delivering judgment, Magistrate Odumosu sentenced both the mother and daughter to six months imprisonment each with an option of a N5,000 fine.

The court also ordered the convicts to refund N100,000 each to the complainant as restitution before they could exercise the fine option.