The Chief Magistrate, Mr A.A. Adebayo, in his ruling, however, gave Moses an option of N10,000 fine after he had pleaded guilty to the charge.

Moses was on trial for stealing.

“In sentencing the defendant, I will take into consideration the plea of the allocutus (Mrs Innocental Akhigbe) made on behalf of the defendant to the effect that the defendant has an aged mother, a wife and children to fend for and that he is sober and remorseful now.

“I will also take into consideration the fact that the defendant has not wasted the precious time of the court by simply admitting his guilt.

“In view of all these factors, the defendant is hereby sentenced to one year in a correctional centre or a fine of N10,000 in lieu.”

Earlier, the Prosecutor, Insp. Sunday Osanyintuyi had told the court that Moses committed the offence on April 15, 2020, around 09:00 p.m., within the premises of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

Osanyintuyi said that the defendant stole an armoured cable pipe valued N350,000, the property of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

He added that the offence contravened Sections 383 and 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Osun, 2002.