Two bakery workers in Lagos State have been sentenced to two weeks of community service after they were accused of stealing bread.

The offenders were said to have stolen five loaves of bread from their employer.

According to a statement posted on the state government’s social media platform on Monday, the Ministry of Justice, through its Restorative Justice Centre in collaboration with the Non-Custodial/Community Service Centre, secured the non-custodial sentence in place of prosecution.

According to the statement, the employer of the two prosecuted workers had insisted they should e charged to court for theft, which was later reviewed at the Magistrates’ Courts, where a District Prosecutor redirected the matter to the Restorative Justice Centre for further prosecution.

“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,” the statement partly read.

Following a successful mediation session, all parties reached a resolution with the bakery workers agreeing to 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 offences,” the statement concluded. (Nigerian Tribune)