Man Sentenced to Prison for Stealing Yam in Osun

Stealing yam has led to a significant prison sentence for a man in Osun, raising eyebrows about the severity of the punishment. Learn more about the case.

Sunday Ejoh, an aluminum worker, was convicted to six months in prison by an Osun State Chief Magistrates’ Court in Osogbo for stealing three yam tubers.

On Monday, September 23, Ejoh appeared before Magistrate Mr. M. Olatunji, where he was charged with one count of stealing.

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Prosecutor Mr. Jacob Akintunde claims that on September 22, 2024, Ejoh stole the tubers—worth N3,000—from Oluwole Durojaye. The stolen yam, a cutlass, and a pair of shoes were found on Ejoh, the court was informed.

According to the prosecution, Ejoh’s conduct violated “Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. II Law of Osun State, Nigeria 2002” and was therefore subject to punishment. Without an attorney, Ejoh entered a guilty plea and stated that his motivation for the crime was hunger and that he had a family.

Magistrate Olatunji found Ejoh guilty during the trial and sentenced him to six months in prison with the possibility of a N25,000 fine. In addition, the magistrate mandated that the yam be given back to its original owner.