21-Year-Old Sentenced to 8 Strokes of the Cane for Stealing Neighbor’s Goat in Kaduna

A 21-year-old scavenger, Ibrahim Usman, has been sentenced to eight strokes of the cane by a Kaduna Chief Magistrates’ Court for stealing a she-goat. The verdict was delivered on Thursday, following Usman’s admission of guilt.

Presiding over the case, Magistrate Ibrahim Emmanuel stated that the court took a lenient approach due to the defendant’s quick confession and cooperation. While pronouncing the sentence, Emmanuel warned Usman to avoid further criminal activities, cautioning that future offenses may not be met with the same mercy.

The court heard that Usman had been apprehended by local vigilantes on October 6 in the Ungwan Rimi area of Kaduna after being found in possession of the stolen goat along Ali Akilu Road. Upon his arrest, Usman was unable to provide a valid explanation for how he obtained the animal. He later confessed to taking it from his neighbor’s house when questioned by the police.

Prosecutor Insp. Chidi Leo noted that Usman’s actions violated the Penal Code of Kaduna State, 2017. The court’s decision emphasized a desire for rehabilitation, with Usman receiving corporal punishment rather than a harsher sentence.