A Kaduna Chief Magistrates’ Court has sentenced 23-year-old Kingsley Timothy to 15 strokes of the cane for stealing two mobile phones valued at N650,000 from a church in Narayi, Kaduna. The judgment was delivered on Thursday by Magistrate Ibrahim Emmanuel, who urged Timothy to reform his ways and warned that the court would not be lenient should he reoffend.
The punishment came after Timothy admitted to the two-count charge of theft and pleaded for mercy. Magistrate Emmanuel emphasised that the sentence was intended as a corrective measure, saying, “Be of good behaviour. The court would not be lenient with you next time.”
The case was reported by Richard Samuel, a member of Christ Life Ministry, on November 15. According to the prosecutor, Insp. Chidi Leo, Timothy stole a Samsung Galaxy Note 10 and an Infinix phone while they were charging in the church.
The phones were valued at N650,000 in total. Timothy was caught shortly after the incident and handed over to the police, who formally charged him under Section 217 of the Kaduna State Penal Code, 2017, which deals with theft and punishment for such offences.
During the trial, Timothy admitted guilt and expressed remorse, asking the court for leniency. In response, Magistrate Emmanuel acknowledged the confession but highlighted that the law must serve as a deterrent for crime, especially theft in places of worship.
“Stealing in a church is not only a crime against property but also an offence against the community and moral values,” he said. “This court hopes the punishment will serve as a lesson, not just for you, but for others who may think of committing similar offences.”
The magistrate ordered Timothy to be caned immediately, in line with the provisions of the Kaduna State Penal Code. Caning, though uncommon in modern urban settings, is sometimes applied in Northern Nigeria as part of judicial disciplinary measures to deter minor offenders and prevent repeat crimes.
The incident has drawn attention to security concerns in places of worship. Churches, mosques, and other religious centres in Nigeria have increasingly faced theft, with congregants’ personal belongings sometimes targeted during services. Security experts have recommended that charging stations and personal items in places of worship be monitored closely to prevent similar crimes.
The use of corporal punishment in Kaduna State is part of a broader legal framework that incorporates both traditional and statutory law to maintain discipline. Under Section 217 of the Kaduna State Penal Code, theft is punishable by imprisonment, fines, or caning depending on the severity of the offence and the discretion of the magistrate.
Insp. Chidi Leo, who prosecuted the case, commended the local community for promptly reporting the crime and aiding in Timothy’s arrest. He also reiterated that the police remain committed to safeguarding places of worship and ensuring offenders face justice.
“This case shows how cooperation between citizens and law enforcement can lead to swift action and prevent further crimes,” Leo stated. He further encouraged church members to continue reporting suspicious activities and to work closely with police for security awareness and preventive measures.
