A Sharia Court in Kano State has sentenced a 35-year-old man, Sabiu Abdullahi, to receive 50 strokes of the cane after he was convicted of stealing five pieces of roofing sheets. The judgment was handed down on Friday, August 1, by the presiding judge, Malam Umar Lawal.
The court proceedings revealed that the defendant, who resides at Mariri Quarters in Kano, was arraigned on two counts: criminal trespass and theft. These offences are punishable under Sections 134 and 287 of the Kano State Penal Code Law.
According to the prosecution counsel, Zahradeen Abubakar, the case was brought to light when the complainant, identified as Anas Yakubu of Tamburawa Quarters, reported the matter to the Mariri Police Station on July 21.
The complainant alleged that while he was away from home, the defendant unlawfully entered his residence without permission and stole five pieces of roofing sheets.
Following the report, the police promptly launched an investigation which led to the arrest of the suspect. During interrogation and in court, Sabiu Abdullahi confessed to the crime and pleaded guilty to both charges brought against him.
In his submission before the court, the prosecuting counsel emphasized that the defendant’s actions not only constituted a breach of the law but also represented a violation of public trust and security within the community. He urged the court to apply the appropriate punishment to serve as a deterrent to others who may be considering similar unlawful acts.
After reviewing the facts of the case, the defendant’s admission of guilt, and the applicable legal provisions, the presiding judge, Malam Umar Lawal, convicted Abdullahi. As punishment, the judge ordered that the convict be subjected to 50 lashes of the cane in accordance with Sharia legal procedures.
The judge also noted that the sentence was aimed at maintaining social order and discouraging theft and unlawful entry within the community. He cautioned members of the public to respect other people’s property and uphold the law, stressing that the Sharia court would not hesitate to apply the full weight of the law on anyone found guilty of criminal conduct.