In a shocking turn of events, a mother and daughter duo, Falilatu Amidu and Ayisatu Amidu, have been sentenced to six months in prison by an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court in Isabo. The pair was found guilty of conspiracy and stealing, after they were caught red-handed stealing goods worth N1 million.
According to the prosecutor, Insp. Kehinde Fawunmi, the defendants committed the crime in August 2024 at Lafenwa market. Falilatu, who used to assist the complainant, Mrs. Kafayat Alao, with carrying her goods, conspired with her daughter to steal a big sack containing stock fish, dry ponmo, and dried meat valued at N1 million.
The complainant, Mrs. Alao, had asked Falilatu to help her pick up goods from her store. However, when Mrs. Alao went to the store, she discovered that the goods were missing, and Falilatu was nowhere to be found. An investigation was launched, and the defendants were eventually apprehended.
The court, presided over by Magistrate Mrs. O.O. Odumosu, found the defendants guilty of conspiracy and stealing. The magistrate held that all evidence presented by the prosecution was proven beyond reasonable doubt.
The defendants were sentenced to six months in prison, but the court offered them an alternative to the prison sentence – a N5,000 fine. However, there was a condition attached to the fine. The defendants must first refund N100,000 each to the complainant as restitution before they can access the fine.
The sentence serves as a deterrent to others who may be tempted to engage in similar criminal activities. It also highlights the importance of honesty and integrity in business and personal relationships. The case also raises questions about the effectiveness of the justice system in Nigeria and whether the sentence is sufficient to deter others from committing similar crimes.