Zakaraya Usman, a 30-year-old painter, was given a two-month prison term on Thursday by a Grade I Area Court in Kabusa, Abuja, for stealing four bibles, 124 church membership forms, and other items.
Usman was accused with stealing by the police.
The defendant entered a plea of guilty to the offence, and Judge Malam Abubakar Sadiq then handed down a sentence.
But Sadiq offered him the choice of paying a N10,000 fine or going to jail.
“Based on your admission to committing the crime, you are hereby, convicted as charged.
“You are also hereby sentenced to two months imprisonment, or pay a fine of N10,000,’’ the judge ruled.
Sadiq also cautioned the offender against repeating the offense and forewarned him that the court would not be forgiving if he did.
Earlier, Mr. O. S. Osho, the prosecution’s attorney, informed the court that Mr. David Usman, the chief security officer of Living Faith Church’s Durumi I branch, had reported the incident to the Durumi Police Station.
According to Osho, the prisoner broke into the church’s property and stole 124 church membership applications, 18 testimonial certificates, 14 Caprisonne beverages, three tiny Bibles, one large Bible, and a total of 124 bibles.
He added that there are also two suitcases, two shirts, two jackets, two handkerchiefs, two security jackets, and some cash.
The prosecution claimed that all of the goods were retrieved from him during the police inquiry.
