The Lagos State Government has directed two bakery workers to serve two weeks of community service after they were accused of stealing five loaves of bread from their employer.
According to a statement published on the state government’s website on Monday, the sentence was secured by the Ministry of Justice’s Restorative Justice Centre in collaboration with the Non-Custodial/Community Service Centre, as an alternative to prosecution.
The employer had initially insisted that the workers be taken to court.
However, under the Ministry’s sifting process at the Magistrates’ Courts, a District Prosecutor reviewed the case and referred it to the Restorative Justice Centre rather than filing formal charges.
“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 Magistrates’ Courts, a District Prosecutor reviewed the matter and referred both parties to the Restorative Justice Centre instead of filing charges,” the statement read in part.
A mediation session was subsequently held, leading to an agreement that the offenders would serve two weeks of community service, which commenced immediately.
The Ministry of Justice explained that the decision reflects ongoing reforms to promote accountability and reconciliation in cases involving minor offences.
“This resolution highlights the Ministry’s proactive approach to fostering dialogue, reconciliation, and accountability, while demonstrating the effectiveness of restorative justice in resolving minor offences,” the statement concluded.
