A magistrates’ court in Kaduna has handed a 10-month prison sentence to a 31-year-old driver, Timothy Dairus, for stealing 870 building blocks.
Presiding Magistrate Ibrahim Emmanuel ruled that the convict could alternatively pay a fine of ₦20,000, while also cautioning him to maintain good conduct. The court further directed Dairus to pay ₦460,500 in compensation to the complainant, Bulus Matthew.
Dairus, a resident of Sabon Tasha in Kaduna, pleaded guilty to the charge and appealed for leniency, telling the court he could not explain his actions at the time of the offence.
During the proceedings, the prosecution, led by Inspector Chidi Leo, stated that the incident occurred on April 15 in Ungwan Pama, Kaduna. According to the complainant, who operates a block-making business in the area, the driver diverted and stole 870 blocks meant for delivery to a client.
Investigations revealed that the defendant admitted to the crime and disclosed that he sold the stolen items to an individual identified as Dogara Musa.
The offence was said to be in violation of the Kaduna State Penal Code, with the court’s ruling serving as a deterrent against similar acts.