An Ibadan Chief Magistrates' Court has ordered the flogging of a serial pick-pocket, Taiwo Ajiwe, after being caught in the act of stealing N200.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Olalekan Obayanju told the court that Ajiwe, 35, stole the sum from one Abigael Okekunle on Saturday at Academy area of Ibadan.

He said the defendant confessed to frequently stealing money from unsuspecting passers-by and commuters.

Obayanju said that the action of Ajiwe contravened Section 390(9)(4) of the Criminal Code Cap 38 Vol. II Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

The defendant pleaded guilty to the one-count charge of pick-pocketing when his plea was taken.

Some counsel present in court, however, pleaded with the judge to be lenient with the defendant in order not to worsen his poor condition.

Chief Magistrate Adams Adeshina ordered Ajiwe to be given six strokes of the cane publicly. (NAN)