In a surprising turn of events, Simon Francis, a teenager, found himself facing charges before a Kaduna Chief Magistrates’ court for an alleged theft involving two cartons of biscuits. The incident reportedly took place on March 16 at a shopping mall in Sabon Tasha, around 6:00 pm.
According to the prosecutor, Insp Chidi Leo, Francis purportedly stole two cartons of biscuits valued at N8000 and passed them on to a companion, unaware that their actions were captured by a CCTV camera. Upon exiting the premises, the defendant was apprehended by a vigilant security guard, while his accomplice managed to evade capture, abandoning the bags containing the pilfered items.
The prosecution emphasized that Francis’ actions contravened Section 217 of the Penal Code of Kaduna State, 2017, which deals with theft offences.
During the court proceedings, Francis pleaded not guilty to the charge levelled against him. In response, Magistrate Ibrahim Emmanuel granted him bail for ₦100,000, with the condition that he provide a surety who must be gainfully employed.
The case has been adjourned until June 26 for further hearings, signalling a legal process that will determine the teenager’s fate in this unusual episode of alleged petty theft.
