You hear some judgement from Nigerian courts against ordinary Nigerians and you feel like crying for the poor of this country.
How on earth would a judge defend her decision to sentence a 25-year old man to two (2) years imprisonment because of yoghurt.
He stole some yoghurt valued at N350 only and two mobile phones valued at N8,000 only. Fatai Samotu, a petty thief, was on Wednesday sentenced to two years imprisonment on each of the three count charges he was arraigned for by an Osogbo Senior Magistrate Court.
During the hearing, he pleaded guilty and his counsel even pleaded for leniency on his behalf. But to the chagrin of many of those present at the court, the judge, Olusola Aluko, convicted and sentenced him to two years imprisonment with hard labour.
I heard some of those who attended the hearing almost started a protest in the court premises but such was averted when the judge gave him an option of N15,000 fine.
Although I don't support anyone stealing other people's stuff, but I seriously disagree with this judgement. I mean, six months should have been fair enough, given the kind of billions (Naira and Dollars) that some political office holders 'misappropriate' but only get a slap on the back through plea bargaining.
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