Douglass Sentenced to Prison for Tomato Theft in Akure

Douglass was arraigned on a one-count charge of stealing before Magistrate Olusola Olujobi. The prosecutor, Taiwo Oniyere, stated that the offence occurred in July 2026 at approximately 6:00 a.m. at Fourth Gate, Afunbiowo Estate, Akure, within the Akure Magisterial District.

The complainant, Abimbola Akintomide, had entrusted Douglass with four baskets of fresh tomatoes to deliver to a driver at Ilesa Garage. Instead of fulfilling this task, Douglass allegedly sold the tomatoes and kept the proceeds for himself.

The stolen items were valued at N140,000, violating Section 390(6) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006. Douglass pleaded guilty, and his defence counsel, Adeluyi Segun, requested leniency, describing him as a first-time offender and asking for the option of a fine.

Magistrate Olujobi sentenced Douglass to 12 months in prison and ordered him to refund N140,000 to the complainant, with a warning that failure to pay would result in serving the jail term.