Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has strongly criticised a recent court ruling in Osun State that sentenced a 28-year-old mechanic, Akeem Jimoh, to three years in prison for stealing 17 tubers of yam worth just N35,000.
Jimoh was arraigned before an Osogbo Chief Magistrate Court last Wednesday after admitting to the theft. The young mechanic explained to the court that he stole the yams because he was hungry and struggling to feed himself. Despite his plea for mercy, the presiding magistrate, Muibah Olatunji, sentenced him to three years’ imprisonment with hard labour, without the option of a fine.
The sentence has sparked outrage among human rights activists and many Nigerians who see it as harsh and unfair. Femi Falana described the ruling as both “inhumane and economically wasteful.”
Falana questioned the logic behind sending a poor man to prison for stealing food, asking, “How does it make sense for the government to spend taxpayers’ money feeding and housing a convict jailed for stealing food items worth N35,000?” He urged the Nigerian justice system to adopt a more humane approach to sentencing, especially in cases involving petty theft driven by hunger or poverty.
The Senior Advocate pointed out that in many countries, theft committed out of necessity, such as stealing food due to hunger, is no longer treated as a criminal offence. Instead, these cases are often addressed through social welfare programs aimed at helping vulnerable citizens meet their basic needs without resorting to crime.
Jimoh’s case reflects a wider issue in Nigeria, where poverty and unemployment push many young people into desperate situations. Food theft and minor crimes are often symptoms of deeper social problems like hunger and lack of opportunities. However, the criminal justice system tends to respond with strict punishments instead of addressing these root causes.
Falana’s legal team has already filed an appeal challenging both the conviction and the sentence handed down to Jimoh. They argue that the punishment is excessive and that the court failed to consider the circumstances that led to the offence.
This case has reignited debate about Nigeria’s justice system and its treatment of poor and vulnerable people. Critics say that sentencing poor individuals to long jail terms for survival crimes is not only unjust but also worsens social inequality.
Osun State, like many parts of Nigeria, continues to face serious economic challenges, with many citizens struggling to find work or afford basic necessities. These hardships often lead to petty crimes, highlighting the need for government programs that can provide support rather than punishment.
The Osun State government has not yet commented publicly on the controversial ruling. Meanwhile, human rights groups and activists continue to push for reforms in how the justice system handles cases linked to poverty and hunger.
