A Costly Mistake: Friend Steals N15,000 Phone, Sells for N2,000, Gets Community Service

 

A Costly Mistake: Friend Steals N15,000 Phone, Sells for N2,000, Gets Community Service

In a tale that serves as a stark warning about the consequences of betrayal, a young man from Adamawa State has faced the law after stealing from his own friend.

The individual, identified as Mujahid Mohammed from the Gurin community in Fufore Local Government Area, confessed to the crime before the Adamawa State Jail Delivery Committee. The committee is headed by the state's Chief Judge, Justice Hafsat Abdulrahman.

The Crime: A Friend's Trust Broken

According to the case details, Mujahid was remanded at the Jimeta Custodial Centre in Yola on October 10th, 2025. His offence? Theft, as ruled by the Modire Area Court.

The specifics of the crime reveal a profound breach of trust. Mujahid admitted to stealing a GSM mobile phone belonging to his friend. The phone was valued at N15,000, but in a move that highlights the poor judgment often accompanying crime, he sold it for a mere N2,000.

A Confession and a Plea for Mercy

When standing before the Jail Delivery Committee, Mujahid chose a path of remorse. He fully confessed to committing the crime and did not attempt to justify his actions. Instead, he pleaded for mercy from the court and gave his assurance that he would never engage in criminal activity again.

The Sentence: A Chance for Rehabilitation

In delivering its judgment, the committee demonstrated a focus on restorative justice. Recognizing his confession and apparent remorse, the court convicted and sentenced him to three months of community service.

This sentence stands in contrast to a full custodial term. It allows Mujahid to repay his debt to society through productive labor, rather than being confined to an already overcrowded facility. It's a ruling that aims to correct behavior without completely derailing a young person's future.

This case is a poignant reminder that crime often carries a cost far greater than its fleeting rewards. For N2,000, Mujahid not only lost a friend's trust but also now carries the weight of a criminal conviction.