Court convicts two Lagos bakery workers, orders 14 days of community service for bread theft
Two bakery workers in Lagos State have been handed a two-week community service sentence after being caught stealing five loaves of bread from their employer.
In a statement on Monday, September 8, 2025, the Lagos State Government revealed that the Ministry of Justice, through its Restorative Justice Centre in partnership with the Non-Custodial/Community Service Centre, opted for a non-custodial sentence as an alternative to prosecution.
“In line with its reform agenda and commitment to decongesting correctional facilities across the State, the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, through its Restorative Justice Centre (RJC), in collaboration with the Non-Custodial/Community Service Centre, has secured a community service sentence for two bakery workers alleged to have stolen from their employer,” the statement read.“The workers were accused of stealing five loaves of bread, with their employer insisting they must be prosecuted in court.“However, under the Ministry’s innovative sifting process at the Magistrate Courts, a District Prosecutor reviewed the matter and referred both parties to the Restorative Justice Centre instead of filing charges.“Following a successful mediation at the centre, the parties reached an agreement whereby the offenders would serve two weeks of community service, which commenced immediately.“This resolution highlights the Ministry’s proactive approach to fostering dialogue, reconciliation, and accountability, while demonstrating the effectiveness of restorative justice in resolving minor offence.”
