A Kaduna Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday sentenced a 34-year-old mechanic, Mohammed Salisu, to 14 months in prison for stealing two tricycle engines.
Presiding over the case, Magistrate Ibrahim Emmanuel, however, gave the convict an option of a ₦30,000 fine.
Salisu, a resident of Ungwan Shanu in Kaduna State, pleaded guilty to a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing, as filed by the police.
According to the prosecutor, Inspector Leo Chidi, the case was reported on January 21 by Suleiman Dogo, a resident of the same neighborhood as the convict. Chidi told the court that Salisu unlawfully entered the complainant’s house and stole the two tricycle engines, which were in Dogo’s custody but belonged to someone else.
During investigations, Salisu confessed to the crime, and a search of his room led to the recovery of the stolen engines along with other tricycle parts yet to be valued.
“The tricycle engines and some other tricycle parts, which are yet to be valued, were also recovered,” the prosecutor told the court.
The offence contravenes the Penal Code of Kaduna State, 2017.
Following a summary trial, the court sentenced Salisu to 14 months in prison, effective from the date of his arrest.
