A 28-year-old businessman, Abubakar Usman, has been sentenced to six months in prison by a Magistrates Court in Jos for defrauding a tomato seller.

Usman pleaded guilty to charges of breach of trust and cheating, leading to the conviction. Magistrate Shawomi Bokkos emphasized that the punishment serves as a deterrent to others engaging in similar fraudulent activities.

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The court provided an alternative for Usman to pay a fine of N10,000. Additionally, the magistrate ordered the convict to compensate the complainant with N50,000.

The case was initially reported to the Laranto Police Station by the complainant, Ms Anagor Ugo, on May 4.

The prosecution counsel, Insp Ibrahim Gokwat, highlighted that Usman had received N50,000 to supply 20 baskets of tomatoes but misappropriated the funds. The offense falls under the jurisdiction of the Plateau Penal Code law.