By John Moses
A Shari’a court in Kaduna State has sentenced a man to six months in prison for stealing shoes belonging to Muslim worshippers at a mosque during Friday prayers.
The defendant, Yusuf Usman, was convicted by Judge Malam Kabir Muhammad of both criminal trespass and theft after he pleaded guilty to the offences. The court, however, offered him the option of a ₦5,000 fine in lieu of the prison term.
In addition, Usman was ordered to pay ₦150,000 in compensation to the mosque committee of Government College Mosque, where the theft occurred. Should he fail to make the payment, an additional one-year custodial sentence will be imposed.
Prosecuting officer ASP Luka Sadau told the court that Usman was apprehended on 13 June by mosque officials following the Jumaat (Friday congregational) prayer. He was taken to the police station after being found with stolen footwear valued at approximately ₦100,000.
“During investigation, the suspect confessed that he regularly targets the mosque during Friday prayers and sells the stolen shoes at local markets, including Monday Market and Maraban Rido,” Sadau explained.
The case has sparked renewed calls for increased security in places of worship across Nigeria, particularly during busy prayer hours.
