Lagos Orders Bakery Workers to Serve Community Service for Stealing Bread

Lagos Orders Bakery Workers to Serve Community Service for Stealing Bread
The employer initially insisted the workers should be charged in court, but the case was reviewed
The Ministry noted that the resolution reflects its reforms aimed at encouraging accountability

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 on the state government’s website on Monday, Eko Hot Blog reports that the Ministry of Justice, through its Restorative Justice Centre in partnership with the Non Custodial and Community Service Centre, secured the sentence as an alternative to prosecution.

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The employer initially insisted the workers should be charged in court, but the case was reviewed under the ministry’s sifting process at the Magistrate Courts, where a District Prosecutor redirected it to the Restorative Justice Centre.

“The workers were accused of stealing five loaves of bread, with their employer pressing for prosecution. However, under the Ministry’s innovative sifting process, a District Prosecutor referred the matter to the Restorative Justice Centre rather than filing charges,” the statement explained.

Following a mediation session, both parties reached an agreement for the workers to perform two weeks of community service, which began immediately.

The Ministry noted that the resolution reflects its reforms aimed at encouraging accountability and reconciliation in minor offences.

“This outcome underscores the Ministry’s proactive efforts to foster dialogue, reconciliation, and accountability while demonstrating the effectiveness of restorative justice in addressing minor offences,” the statement concluded.

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