An Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court has sentenced a 22-year-old man, Sunday Gmaed, to three months in prison after he was found guilty of stealing seven chickens valued at N57,000. The sentencing highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies in Ekiti State to curb theft and protect local businesses, especially farmers and poultry owners.
According to the ruling delivered by Chief Magistrate Kehinde Awosika on Friday, the defendant had pleaded guilty to the charge of stealing and appealed to the court for mercy. While considering Gmaed’s plea, the magistrate offered him an alternative of paying a N30,000 fine instead of serving the prison term, giving him a chance to avoid incarceration if he could meet the financial condition.
Earlier during the trial, the prosecutor, Inspector Elijah Adejare, presented details of the incident to the court. He explained that the crime was committed on June 28 at about 9:30 a.m. at Odo village, along Ilawe road in Ado-Ekiti. Gmaed was accused of unlawfully entering the poultry farm belonging to the complainant, Olaniyi Olasehinde.
Inspector Adejare narrated that the defendant gained access to the farm by cutting through the protective netting used to secure the poultry area. Once inside, Gmaed strangled and stole seven chickens, intending to escape with them before he was apprehended. The stolen chickens were collectively valued at N57,000, leading to significant financial loss for the farmer.
The prosecutor further explained that Gmaed’s actions were in clear violation of Section 302(1)(a) of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021, which prohibits burglary and theft. He urged the court to impose an appropriate punishment to serve as a deterrent to others considering similar criminal acts.
During the initial arraignment on July 2, Gmaed pleaded not guilty and was granted bail set at N20,000 with one surety in like sum. However, at the resumed hearing on July 11, he changed his plea to guilty and pleaded for the court's leniency, admitting his wrongdoing and expressing remorse for his actions.
In delivering the final judgment, Chief Magistrate Awosika acknowledged Gmaed’s change of plea and his appeal for mercy but stressed the importance of discouraging criminal conduct in the state. The magistrate emphasized that while the court considered his remorse, the need to uphold justice and protect the community was paramount.
Consequently, the court sentenced Gmaed to three months in prison with an option to pay a fine of N30,000, allowing him an opportunity to avoid jail time if he complied with the payment condition. This judgment reflects the balance between enforcing the law and showing compassion towards a repentant offender.