A Magistrates’ Court in Jos has sentenced a 38-year-old fashion designer, George Goma, to 18 months in prison for stealing a mobile phone.
Magistrate Shawomi Bokkos delivered the judgment on Thursday after Goma pleaded guilty to the charge of theft.
As part of the ruling, the court offered Goma the option of paying a N30,000 fine to reduce his sentence to six months. Additionally, he was ordered to pay N180,000 as compensation to the victim or face another six months in jail.
Prosecutor Ibrahim Gokwat informed the court that the case was reported on January 7 at the Anglo-Jos Police Station by the complainant, Desmond Ali.
According to Gokwat, Goma, who was a close friend of Ali, stole his phone valued at N180,000 during a visit. Despite police efforts, the stolen device could not be recovered as Goma had already sold it.
The prosecutor noted that Goma’s actions violated the Plateau State Penal Code Law.