A  Magistrates Court in Jos has sentenced a 28-year-old  businessman, Abubakar Usman, to six months imprisonment for cheating a tomato seller.

Magistrate Shawomi Bokkos sentenced Usman after he pleaded guilty to two counts of breach of trust and cheating and he said the punishment would serve as a deterrent to others who would want to indulge in the same act.

The magistrate however gave the convict an option of a N10,000 fine.

He also ordered the convict to pay a compensation of N50,000 to the nominal complainant.

Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Insp Ibrahim Gokwat told the court that the case was reported on May 4, at the  Laranto Police Station by Ms Anagor Ugo, the complainant.

Gokwat said that the convict was given N50,000 to supply 20 baskets of tomatoes and he converted the money to his personal use.

The offence, he said, is punishable under the Plateau Penal Code law. (NAN)