Man Sentenced to 18 Months for Stealing Girlfriend's Jewellery in Kaduna

A Kaduna magistrates' court has sentenced 32-year-old Kenneth James to 18 months in prison for taking jewellery valued at N860,000 from his girlfriend. On Wednesday, October 14, Magistrate Ibrahim Emmanuel convicted James after he admitted guilt to a single count of stealing. The court imposed 18 months' imprisonment with the alternative of paying a N50,000 fine. The magistrate also directed James to return N860,000 to the complainant, Miss Vivian Gideon. If he does not make that refund, he will serve an extra 10 months in prison, Magistrate Emmanuel ruled. The magistrate cautioned James to avoid committing further offences after completing his sentence. Inspector Chidi Leo, the prosecution counsel, had earlier informed the court that Miss Gideon lodged a complaint at Gabasawa Police Station on October 5, 2026. Leo stated that James, who was the complainant's boyfriend, stole her gold earrings and necklace when she was travelling. According to the prosecutor, James admitted during police investigation that he sold the items. The offence violated the Kaduna State Penal Code, 2017, Leo said.