Lagos Court Sentences Bakery Workers to Community Service for Stealing Bread

Two bakery workers in Lagos State have been sentenced to 14 days of community service after being accused of stealing five loaves of bread from their employer.

The Lagos State Government, in a statement issued on Monday, September 8, 2025, said the decision was reached through its Restorative Justice Centre (RJC), in collaboration with the Non-Custodial/Community Service Centre, as part of efforts to decongest correctional facilities.

According to the statement, the employer had insisted on prosecuting the workers, but under the Ministry’s innovative sifting process at the Magistrate Courts, a District Prosecutor reviewed the case and referred both parties to the RJC instead of filing formal charges.

During mediation at the centre, both sides reached an agreement, leading to a resolution that mandated the workers to serve two weeks of community service, which commenced immediately.

“This outcome reflects the Ministry’s proactive approach to promoting dialogue, reconciliation, and accountability, while demonstrating the effectiveness of restorative justice in handling minor offences,” the statement added.