74-Year-Old Man Sentenced To Six Months In Prison For Stealing Mats From Mosques In Kaduna
A 74-year-old man, Jibril Musa, has been sentenced to six months in prison by a Shari’a Court in Rigasa, Kaduna, for stealing mats from two mosques. The court, presided over by Judge Malam Mukhtar Aliyu, handed down the sentence after Musa pleaded guilty to charges of criminal trespass and theft.
During the hearing on Thursday, the court was informed that this was not Musa’s first offence. The judge expressed disappointment, noting that the elderly man had previously appeared before the court for a similar crime and was released on the condition that he would refrain from stealing again.
In his ruling, Judge Aliyu said, “At his age, the mosque should be his second home where he seeks forgiveness rather than engaging in sinful acts. To uphold his appeal would be to provoke Almighty Allah’s displeasure.” As a result, Musa’s plea for leniency was dismissed, and he was sentenced to six months in a correctional facility.
Prosecutor Inspector Sambo Maigari told the court that the theft was reported by Aminu Al-Hassan, the village head of Rigasa, after Musa was caught stealing mats from mosques on Dan Galadima Road and Bakin Dogo, both located in Rigasa town.
It was revealed that Musa sold the stolen mats to a businesswoman, Aisha Abdullahi, for N1,500. Abdullahi, in her defence, claimed ignorance, saying, “I had no idea the mats were stolen, especially from an elderly man like Musa. I’ve always been an honest businesswoman.” She also requested leniency from the court.
The court has adjourned Abdullahi’s case until September 18 for judgment.
