Wednesday, September 10, 2025 - Two bakery workers have been sentenced to two weeks of community service after they were accused of stealing bread in Lagos State.
The offenders were said to have stolen five loaves of bread
from their employer.
The Lagos State Government in a statement issued on Monday,
September 8, 2025, said the Ministry of Justice, through its Restorative
Justice Centre in collaboration with the Non-Custodial/Community Service
Centre, secured the non-custodial sentence in place of prosecution.
“In line with its reform agenda and commitment to decongesting correctional facilities across the State, the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, through its Restorative Justice Centre (RJC), in collaboration with the Non-Custodial/Community Service Centre, has secured a community service sentence for two bakery workers alleged to have stolen from their employer,” the statement read.
"The
workers were accused of stealing five loaves of bread, with their employer
insisting they must be prosecuted in court.
"However,
under the Ministry’s innovative sifting process at the Magistrate Courts, a
District Prosecutor reviewed the matter and referred both parties to the
Restorative Justice Centre instead of filing charges.
"Following
a successful mediation at the centre, the parties reached an agreement whereby
the offenders would serve two weeks of community service, which commenced
immediately.
“This
resolution highlights the Ministry’s proactive approach to fostering dialogue,
reconciliation, and accountability, while demonstrating the effectiveness of
restorative justice in resolving minor offence.”
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