Youth lands in prison for stealing cocoa worth N200,000

News Update

A Magistrate Court sitting in Iragbiji, Osun State, has sentenced a 20-year old man, Olabosipo Waliyu, to two years imprisonment without an option of fine for stealing cocoa beans valued at ₦200,000.

The convict, who was previously sentenced for a similar offence earlier in the year, was arraigned before Magistrate O.D. Ajiboye on a one-count charge of stealing.

According to information gathered, Waliyu was arrested by operatives of the Osun Amotekun Corps under the Boripe Command after he was caught stealing cocoa belonging to one Mr. Okunola Morufu of Gbamila Village, Iragbiji.

The charge, marked MIRA/28c/2025, was prosecuted by Mr. Oyedele Akintayo, who informed the court that the offence was habitual, noting that the defendant had been convicted for the same crime just months ago.

Upon arraignment, the defendant pleaded guilty, and the court proceeded to deliver judgment without delay.

In her ruling, Magistrate Ajiboye labelled Waliyu a serial thief, noting that despite being previously sentenced to one year imprisonment with an option of ₦50,000 fine, which was paid by a Good Samaritan, he returned to his old ways shortly after regaining freedom.

“This defendant is a habitual offender. The earlier sentence with a fine failed to reform him. A more decisive punishment is required to safeguard society and serve as a deterrent,” the magistrate stated.

Consequently, the court sentenced Waliyu to two years imprisonment with no option of fine. He was immediately remanded in prison custody to commence his sentence.

Reacting to the verdict, the Public Relations Officer of Osun Amotekun Corps, Yusuf Idowu Abass, lauded the judiciary for its swift and firm decision, stressing that it would send a strong message to criminal elements in the state.

“This judgment reinforces the message that crime does not pay. We urge the public to be vigilant and to support the efforts of security agencies by reporting suspicious activities,” Abass said.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Osun Amotekun Corps to flushing out repeat offenders and ensuring justice is dispensed promptly in the interest of peace and public safety.