An 18-year-old boy in Adamawa State has been sentenced to three months of community service after stealing soft drinks to celebrate his birthday. The decision followed a review of his case by the Adamawa State Jail Delivery Committee, headed by the state Chief Judge, Justice Hafsat Abdulrahman.
The teenager, Aminu Abdulazeez, hails from Bazza community in Michika Local Government Area (LGA). He admitted to taking half crates of Nutri Milk and Dudu Mineral Water to host a birthday party for himself and his friends.
According to court records, Aminu was caught preparing for the party and subsequently apprehended by authorities. He was then charged and sentenced by Area Court I Bazza, which initially ordered a three-month jail term with an option to pay N40,000 fine. When Aminu failed to pay the fine, he was sent to Mubi Correctional Centre to serve the sentence.
During a visit to Mubi Correctional Centre, the Jail Delivery Committee reviewed Aminu’s case. Aminu admitted to stealing the soft drinks and explained that his intention was to celebrate his birthday with friends. The committee considered his age, circumstances, and willingness to confess, and decided to reduce his confinement to community service.
Justice Hafsat Abdulrahman explained that the aim of the review was to reform and rehabilitate young offenders rather than impose purely punitive measures. “It is important that young people understand the consequences of their actions while giving them a chance to make amends to society,” she said.
The committee ordered that Aminu be returned to Bazza community to perform community service for three months. He is expected to sweep public facilities, health centres, or police stations as a way to give back to the community and learn responsibility.
This approach reflects a growing trend in Nigeria’s criminal justice system to promote rehabilitation over incarceration, particularly for first-time offenders and young people. Experts believe that community service not only corrects behaviour but also fosters social responsibility and reduces the risk of repeat offences.
Adamawa State has faced challenges with youth delinquency, including petty thefts, vandalism, and minor conflicts. Over the past few years, the state judiciary has emphasized alternatives to imprisonment for minor offenses, particularly among teenagers and young adults.
The Jail Delivery Committee, established under the guidance of the Chief Judge, regularly reviews cases of young offenders in correctional facilities across the state. The committee’s mandate includes assessing whether imprisonment is the most suitable corrective measure or if alternative methods such as community service, counselling, or rehabilitation programs would be more effective.
Justice Hafsat Abdulrahman has been a strong advocate for youth rehabilitation, stating that the system should not simply punish young offenders but guide them towards becoming responsible citizens. Aminu’s case serves as an example of this philosophy in action.
The decision to reduce Aminu’s jail term to community service has drawn attention from the public and media, highlighting the importance of proportionate justice for minors and young offenders. Community leaders in Bazza welcomed the judgment, emphasizing the need to teach life lessons to youth without unnecessarily incarcerating them.
Some residents noted that Aminu’s act, while a theft, was not motivated by criminal intent to harm others, but rather to celebrate with friends. They believe the community service sentence will not only correct his behaviour but also reinforce the importance of honesty and respect for public property.
Aminu’s case underscores the importance of making lawful choices and understanding the consequences of one’s actions. While celebrations are part of youth culture, resorting to theft can lead to serious consequences, including imprisonment.
The authorities hope that Aminu’s story will serve as a cautionary tale to other young people in Adamawa and beyond. By transforming a jail sentence into community service, the system aims to teach accountability, responsibility, and civic duty, rather than solely punishing the offender.
With the enforcement of the community service order, Aminu will have the opportunity to repair the harm caused by his actions and reinforce positive behaviour. The program is scheduled to last for three months, during which he will work in public spaces, health centres, or police stations, under supervision.
