Two bakery workers in Lagos State have been sentenced to two weeks of community service after being accused of stealing five loaves of bread from their employer.
The Lagos State Government, in a statement released on Monday, September 8, 2025, revealed that the non-custodial sentence was secured by the Ministry of Justice through its Restorative Justice Centre, in collaboration with the Non-Custodial/Community Service Centre.
“In line with its reform agenda and commitment to decongest correctional facilities across the State, the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, through its Restorative Justice Centre (RJC), in collaboration with the Non-Custodial/Community Service Centre, has secured a community service sentence for two bakery workers alleged to have stolen from their employer,” the statement read.
The employer had initially insisted on prosecution, but the case was referred to the Restorative Justice Centre after a District Prosecutor, using the Ministry’s sifting process at the Magistrate Courts, opted against filing formal charges.
Following mediation at the RJC, both parties reached an agreement under which the workers would perform two weeks of community service. The sentence took effect immediately.
“This resolution underscores the Ministry’s proactive approach to promoting dialogue, reconciliation, and accountability,” the statement added, “and demonstrates the effectiveness of restorative justice in addressing minor offences without resorting to incarceration.”
