Abuja — An Abuja Upper Area Court yesterday sentenced a 19-year-old youngster to three months imprisonment without an option of fine for stealing a hand bag belonging to one Mary Omuche of Sharp Corner, Mararaba, Nasarawa State.

The man, Victor Nduka of Nyanya Tipper Garage and his accomplice now at large, committed the offence on October 31, 2009.

Prosecutor Silas Nanpam stated in court that one Anthony Eyiotu and Mary Omuche reported at Nyanya Police Station that the accused with his accomplice stopped a vehicle for lift and in the process snatched a hand bag containing the sum of N20,000 belonging to Mary Omuche.

He said during police investigations, the accused confessed that one Aboki, now at large escaped with the bag and money.

The prosecutor said the offences committed by the accused persons are contrary to sections 79 and 287 of the Penal Code Law.

When the charges were read to the accused, he pleaded guilty and begged the court to temper justice with mercy.

Judge Garba Salisu sentenced him to three months imprisonment without an option of fine.

In another case, a 34-year-old businesswoman was recently arraigned for allegedly calling one Hadizat Nasiru, a HIV victim and thief.

The businesswoman, Fatima Buhari, was accused of committing the offence on October 22, 2009.

Prosecutor Abdul Alhassan told the court that the complainant reported to the police that the businesswoman accused her of stealing her rubber plates, an accusation which she vehemently denied.

"Even when one Mariam Abdullahi claimed to be the one who took the plate, the accused still went ahead to call her names, saying she is HIV positive and that she will beat hell out of her, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 399 of the Penal Code Law," the prosecutor added.

When the charge was read to the accused, she denied the allegation and requested for bail, which made the prosecutor asked for a hearing date.

In his ruling, Magistrate Abdul Dogo granted the accused bail in the sum of N20,000 with a reliable surety in like sum that must reside within the court's jurisdiction and swear to an affidavit to produce the accused in court on the adjourned date.

The case was adjourned to December 2 for hearing.