An Osun Magistrate Court sitting in Osogbo yesterday sentenced three breast-feeding mothers and two men to six months imprisonment for stealing fowls worth N3.2 million.
The convicts, Regina Philip, 40, Cecilia Ochili, 25, and Ankara Elisabeth, 30 were convicted along with Odebiyi Yinka, 20, and Ayoola Samson, 20 respectively.
The prosecutor, Mr. Adegoke Taiwo, told the court that the convicts conspired among themselves to commit felony, to wit, stealing on July 5, 2016, at Erin Osun.
He said Yinka and Samson stole 1,600 fowls valued at N3.2 million belonging to Pastor Mrs Aluko Titilayo Farms in Erin Osun.
The prosecution said the three breast-feeding mothers received the stolen fowls, knowing full well that the fowls were stolen.
According to the charge sheet obtained by our correspondent, theoffences contravened Sections 516, 383 and punishable under Sections 390(9) and 427 of the Criminal Code Cap 34, Vol 11, Laws of Osun stateof Nigeria, 2003.
Delivering the judgement after a prolonged hearing, Mrs Awodele Modupe Adedoyin, found the convicts guilty and convicted them accordingly.
Counsel to the convicts, Mrs Bose Dada, prayed the court to temper justice with mercy on the convicts, saying the convicts have paid N200, 000 to the complainant.
She urged the court to consider the breast-feeding mothers, noting thatthey have been coming from the prison custody and that their husbands are peasant farmers.
Magistrate Adedoyin thereby sentenced each of the convicts to six months imprisonment with an option of N10,000 fine.
