The judge, Alhaji Ahmed Ado, however, gave the convict N2,000 option of fine and warned him to desist from committing crimes.

The convict had prayed the court to temper justice with mercy, that he did it because he was hungry.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Zannah Dalhatu, told the court that one Daniel Amechi, of Piwoyi Abuja, reported the matter at the Utako Police Station Abuja, on March 13.

Dalhatu said that the convict and one Abu, now at large, formed criminal intention and stole his Samsung Galaxy cell phone, valued at N35, 000.

During police investigation he confessed to the crime and the said phone was recovered.

The prosecutor said that the offence is punishable under Sections 79 and 288 of the Penal Code.