A local security team, the Igbogene Vigilance Group, in Yenagoa Local Government of Bayelsa State, has arrested a father of two for allegedly stealing a pot of soup, 12 wraps of fufu and half a basin of gari.
Kaduna Enatimi, 35, is said to be an indigene of Akassa in Brass Council.
The group’s Head, Chief MoneySweet Asomo, said the suspect was nabbed about 2am while eating the stolen food at a local shop.
He said the suspect claimed that hunger and economic hardship forced him to steal.
Narrating how the man was caught, Asomo said: “We were on patrol about 2am on Thursday and when we got to the Timida School area, we saw a man at a local food joint eating.
“The food kiosk is owned by an Akwa Ibom State indigene, Mrs. Blessing. We questioned the suspect and he confessed to have stolen a pot of soup, wraps of fufu and half basin of gari. He claimed it was economic hardship that led him to the act.”
The Nation learnt that when the matter was reported to the monarch, the Obenibe X1 of Epie Kingdom, Hope Green Adike, he asked the vigilance group’s members to parade the suspect.
The traditional ruler reportedly insisted that the man be taken round the community with the stolen items, to act as a deterrent to others.
It was gathered that the monarch, who considered the excuse of hunger as untenable, ordered the vigilance group members to release the suspect after the parade.
Enatimi was forced to eat the food in the presence of the indigenes.
