By Atlantic Reports

A Kaduna Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday sentenced Kenneth James, 32, to 18 months’ imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to stealing his girlfriend’s jewellery valued at ₦860,000.

Magistrate Ibrahim Emmanuel gave James the option of paying a ₦50,000 fine. He separately ordered him to refund ₦860,000 to the complainant, Vivian Gideon.

The magistrate said failure to make the refund would attract an additional 10 months’ imprisonment. He also warned James against further criminal conduct.

Earlier, prosecution counsel Inspector Chidi Leo told the court that Gideon reported the theft at Gabasawa Police Station on October 5.

Leo said James stole her gold earrings and necklace while she was away on a trip. According to the prosecutor, James admitted during the police investigation that he had sold the items.

The prosecutor said the offence contravened the Kaduna State Penal Code, 2017.

The supplied account did not state whether James paid the fine or made the court-ordered refund.

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