Son in Court for Allegedly Stealing Mattress, Clothes from Own Mother in Kaduna

Ilesanmi AdekanbiAugust 8, 2023

1 minute read

A mother who was taking care of her sick husband in the hospital had a rude shock when she discovered that her son had stolen some of her belongings from her home.

Tum Joseph, 30, was arraigned before an Upper Customary Court in Kafanchan, Kaduna State, on Tuesday, facing three charges of criminal intimidation, inciting disturbance of public peace and theft.

According to the police prosecutor, Insp Esther Bishen, the complainant, Bridget, who resides in Ungwan Fari, Kafanchan, reported the incident at the Kafanchan Divisional Police Station on July 7.

She said that she was informed by a neighbour that her son had taken away a mattress, two containers of herbicide chemicals, 10 yards of wrapper and some of her husband’s clothes from her house.

Bishen said that the police recovered the mattress from the defendant during an investigation. She also said that the defendant had been verbally abusing and insulting his mother. She said that the offence contravenes the provisions of sections 378, 76 and 270 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to him. The prosecutor asked the court for an adjournment to enable the police to call witnesses to prove its case.

The presiding judge, Mr George Gwani, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N20,000 and a surety in like sum who must be his uncle. He adjourned the case until Sept. 5 for hearing.

This case is a reminder of the importance of family and respect for elders. It is also a warning to those who would think to take advantage of their loved ones, especially those who are vulnerable.

The defendant’s actions were not only illegal, but they were also morally wrong. He stole from his own mother, who was already struggling to care for her sick husband. He also threatened and insulted her.