Court Orders Man to Sweep Mosque for One Month Over Cable Theft

Court Orders Man to Sweep Mosque for One Month Over Cable Theft

A Magistrates’ Court in Abuja has sentenced a businessman, Musa Ibrahim, to one month of sweeping duties at Amir Mosque in Wuse II after he was found guilty of stealing electrical cables valued at about ₦2 million.

The judgment was delivered by Magistrate Lami Sani following Ibrahim’s guilty plea to charges of mischief and theft. The court opted for a non-custodial sentence, combining punishment with community service as part of efforts to encourage accountability and rehabilitation.

According to the prosecution counsel, A.A. Adeleju, the convict unlawfully gained access to the mosque premises on March 5 under the guise of collecting Ramadan food. While others queued for the meal, Ibrahim reportedly used the back entrance to remove electrical cables from the facility.

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The prosecutor told the court that the defendant later confessed to the crime during police interrogation, and the stolen cables were recovered from him.

Before sentencing, Ibrahim pleaded for leniency, expressing remorse and assuring the court that he would not repeat the offence. His plea was considered by the magistrate, who imposed the sweeping order as part of the penalty.

The court’s decision reflects a growing use of community service sentences in Nigeria for certain offences, particularly where the accused shows remorse and the offence is not violent. Legal observers note that such rulings aim to decongest correctional facilities while still ensuring justice is served.

The ruling also underscores the judiciary’s stance on protecting places of worship and public infrastructure from vandalism and theft. Authorities have repeatedly warned against acts that undermine community facilities, stressing that offenders will face legal consequences.

Residents and worshippers at the mosque were reassured that the recovered cables have been returned, while security measures around public spaces are expected to be reinforced to prevent similar incidents.

Court Orders Man to Sweep Mosque for One Month Over Cable Theft