The Lagos State Government has ordered two bakery workers to carry out two weeks of community service after they were accused of stealing five loaves of bread from their employer.
According to a statement released on Monday by the Ministry of Justice, the sentence was issued through the Restorative Justice Centre in collaboration with the Non-Custodial/Community Service Centre as an alternative to prosecution.
The bakery had initially demanded that the workers face court action.
However, under the Ministry’s innovative sifting process at the Magistrate Courts, a District Prosecutor reviewed the case and referred both the employer and the workers to the Restorative Justice Centre instead of pursuing formal charges.
After a mediation session, all parties agreed that the workers would complete two weeks of community service, which started immediately at the Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.
The Ministry of Justice explained that the decision reflects its reforms aimed at promoting accountability and reconciliation in minor offences.
“This resolution highlights the Ministry’s proactive approach to fostering dialogue, reconciliation, and accountability, while demonstrating the effectiveness of restorative justice in resolving minor offences,” the statement said.
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