26-Year-Old Jailed for Stealing ₦140,000 Worth of Tomatoes in Ondo

Four baskets of tomatoes worth ₦140,000 have landed a 26-year-old man in prison for 12 months in Ondo State.

An Akure Magistrate’s Court sentenced Samuel Douglass after he pleaded guilty to stealing the tomatoes entrusted to him for delivery.

The prosecution told the court that the incident happened in July at Afunbiowo Estate, Akure.

Douglass had reportedly been given the four baskets to deliver to a driver at Ilesa Garage. Instead, prosecutors said he sold the tomatoes and converted the money to his personal use.

Court Orders Refund

The prosecution charged Douglass under Section 390(6) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State. His lawyer, Adeluyi Segun, asked the court for leniency, describing him as a first-time offender and requesting an option of fine.

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Magistrate Olusola Olujobi, however, sentenced him to 12 months in prison and ordered him to refund the ₦140,000 to the complainant.

The court ruled that failure to pay the money would result in the jail term being served.

The case is another reminder that even a seemingly small theft can carry serious criminal consequences once it reaches the court.