The Lagos State Government has ordered two bakery workers to serve two weeks of community service after they were accused of stealing five loaves of bread from their employer.

In a statement on the state government’s website on Monday, the Ministry of Justice, through its Restorative Justice Centre in collaboration with the Non-Custodial/Community Service Centre, secured the non-custodial sentence in place of prosecution.

The employer had insisted the workers should be taken to court, but the case was reviewed under the ministry’s sifting process at the Magistrates’ Courts, where a District Prosecutor redirected the matter to the Restorative Justice Centre.

“The workers were accused of stealing five loaves of bread, with their employer insisting they must be prosecuted in court.

“However, under the Ministry’s innovative sifting process at the Magistrate Courts, a District Prosecutor reviewed the matter and referred both parties to the Restorative Justice Centre instead of filing charges,” the statement partly read.

A mediation session followed, after which all parties reached an agreement for the offenders to perform two weeks of community service, which commenced immediately.

The ministry stated the move 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 concluded.