Court adopts restorative justice approach for teen charged with theft

An Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court on Friday adopted a restorative justice approach in the case of a 16-year-old girl charged with housebreaking and stealing cocoa beans valued at N300,000.

The defendant, whose address was not provided, is facing a two-count charge of housebreaking and stealing.

Chief Magistrate Dolamu Babalogbon ruled that the matter should be handled through diversion measures aimed at restoring the victim and rehabilitating the defendant.

She ordered that the defendant be released to a guardian on a surety bond of N20,000 to ensure compliance with the measures prescribed by the court.

The magistrate adjourned the case until July 15 for mention.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp Olubu Apata, told the court that the defendant allegedly committed the offences on June 27 at about 8.00 a.m. at No. 5, Ikoyi St., Ikere-Ekiti.

Apata alleged that the defendant broke into the residence of the complainant, Mr James Babalola, and stole 50 kg of cocoa beans valued at N300,000.

According to him, the offences contravene Sections 324 and 295 and are punishable under Section 302 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.

The prosecutor urged the court to adjourn the case to enable the prosecution to present its witnesses.

The defendant appealed to the court to temper justice with mercy, although her plea was not taken.

Counsel to the defendant, Mr Adeyinka Opaleke, urged the court to grant her bail, assuring the court that she would not abscond.

He also appealed to the court to show her mercy.