By Elizabeth Godwin
A Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, has sentenced a 20-year-old man, Olanrewaju Timilehin, to four months of community service for breaking into a woman’s home and stealing valuable items.
The incident occurred on July 16 at Nova Road in Ado-Ekiti, where Timilehin unlawfully entered the residence of Mrs. Adeboye Modupe and stole five 25-liter kegs of palm oil and one 25-liter keg of a substance referred to as “prayer neatener,” with the total value of the stolen items estimated at ₦300,000.
During the court proceedings, the prosecutor, Inspector Sodiq Adeniji, informed the court that Timilehin’s actions were in violation of Sections 301 and 303 of the Criminal Laws of Ekiti State, 2021. The defendant, however, pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him.
His counsel, Barrister David Ogbede, appealed to the court to consider a non-custodial sentence, citing the defendant’s young age and his willingness to take responsibility for his actions. He urged the court to temper justice with mercy.
Presiding over the case, Chief Magistrate Dolamu Babalogbon granted the defense counsel’s request and sentenced Timilehin to four months of community service rather than jail time. The magistrate emphasized the importance of rehabilitation and giving young offenders a second chance, especially when they show remorse and a readiness to reform.
The sentence reflects the court’s consideration for restorative justice and highlights a growing trend of non-custodial sentencing in minor, non-violent criminal cases in the state.
