Lagos Orders Bakery Staff to Two Weeks of Community Service for Bread Theft
Few stories rise to the level of public curiosity like this one: two bakery workers in Lagos discovered that stealing bread can earn you more than just a stern talking-to. Instead of jail time, they’re now serving their penance with brooms and buckets in a creative twist of justice.
The Lagos State Government has directed the pair to perform two weeks of community service after being caught taking five loaves of bread from their workplace. This outcome was detailed in a Monday announcement from the Ministry of Justice, noting the collaboration between its Restorative Justice Centre and the Non-Custodial/Community Service Centre. Their aim? To provide an alternative to dragging minor offenders through lengthy prosecutions.
Initially, the bakery wanted a courtroom showdown. However, thanks to the Ministry’s streamlined review process at Magistrate Courts, a District Prosecutor rerouted the dispute to the Restorative Justice Centre. There, both employer and employees reached a mutual understanding, avoiding the stress of formal litigation.
After a mediation session, the agreement was simple: the bread bandits—if one dares call them that—would perform two weeks of service to the community, starting promptly at the Lagos State Secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja. The Ministry emphasized this decision as a reflection of its commitment to progressive reforms, reconciliation, and accountability in addressing lesser crimes.
The Justice Ministry’s statement proudly showcased this as a model example of how restorative justice fosters dialogue while saving court resources. It’s a clear sign that even when bread is involved, fairness doesn’t have to come from a gavel slam.
Follow us on Telegram.