Public commentator, Mahdi Shehu has criticised Nigeria’s leadership and justice system over the conviction of a man who allegedly stole food to survive, saying the country punishes the poor while protecting those who steal public funds.

 

 

In a post shared on X on Wednesday, Shehu reacted to the conviction of Anas Lawal, describing it as a painful example of how hunger-driven crimes are treated harshly, while large-scale corruption goes unpunished.

 

“If you want to steal in Nigeria, steal big,” Shehu wrote.

 

 

He lamented what he called a system that rewards corruption and criminalises poverty.

 

He argued that if the convicted man had stolen trillions of naira, he would not be in prison but enjoying power and privileges.

 

 

“Had he stolen N1.3 trillion, he would have made it to the national reconciliation committee. If it was N700 billion, he would be contesting for Senate President. If it was N340 billion, he would be a governor enjoying immunity.”

 

Shehu added that even those accused of looting massive sums are often appointed to top government positions.

 

“If he had been part of those who stole hundreds of trillions, he would be an ambassador by now,” he said.

 

 

Instead, he noted, hunger pushed the man to steal food to feed his family, and the law came down heavily on him.

 

“But hunger made him steal food items to feed his family, and the court pounced on him,” Shehu stated.

 

He went further to condemn political leaders.

 

 

According to him, they should feel ashamed for creating conditions that force citizens into stealing to survive.

 

“All leaders, by whatever name or title, should bury their heads in shame for forcing people to steal out of hunger

and starvation,” he wrote.