A 32-year-old man, Kenneth James, has been sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment by a magistrates’ court in Kaduna State for stealing gold jewellery worth ₦860,000 belonging to his girlfriend, Miss Vivian Gideon.

James was sentenced on Wednesday after pleading guilty to a one-count charge of stealing before Magistrate Ibrahim Emmanuel.

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The court also gave him the option of paying a ₦50,000 fine in place of the prison sentence.

In addition, the magistrate ordered the convict to refund ₦860,000 to Gideon, the complainant in the case.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Magistrate Emmanuel ruled that James would face an additional 10 months’ imprisonment if he failed to repay the money.

Earlier in the proceedings, the prosecution counsel, Inspector Chidi Leo, told the court that Gideon reported the incident at Gabasawa Police Station on October 5, 2026.

Leo said James, who was in a relationship with the complainant, allegedly took her gold earrings and necklace while she was away on a trip.

The prosecutor added that the defendant confessed during police investigations to selling the stolen items.

The offence was said to contravene the Kaduna State Penal Code, 2017.

Following the sentencing, Magistrate Emmanuel warned James against engaging in further criminal activities after serving his punishment.

He urged the convict to maintain good behaviour and obey the law.

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The court’s order also requires James to compensate Gideon for the value of the jewellery, with an additional prison term stipulated if he fails to make the refund.