A Chief Magistrates’ Court in Minna on Wednesday sentenced four men to five years in prison each for cattle rustling.
In her ruling, Magistrate Hauwa Yusuf, sentenced Umaru Chede, Umaru Idi, Garba Abubakar and Tukur Abubakar who pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal conspiracy and cattle rustling.
A fifth person, Muhammadu Namata, however pleaded not guilty.
Magistrate Yusuf, however gave the convicts an option to pay a fine of N550, 000 each each.
Yusuf ordered that Namata be remanded in prison and adjourned the matter until July 15 for further mention
Earlier, the Police Prosecutor, Sgt Bello Mohammed told the court that Alhaji Abubakar of fulani camp in Munya Local Government Area reported the matter at the station on March 3.
Mohammed alleged that the convicts and defendant stole 15 cows, valued at N1.3 million.
He said the offence contravened the provisions of sections 3(1) and 18(3) of the Kidnapping and Cattle Rustling Law of 2016.
He asked for adjournment in respect of the fifth accused person to enable police complete its investigation. (NAN)
