ALLOCUTUS Court: By the provisions of Section 309(1) of the ACJL of Sokoto State 2019, where a trial Court finds a Defendant guilty, he should be informed of his right to call witnesses to character if he so wish or make any statement, or produce any necessary evidence or information in mitigation of punishment. So what do you have to say? A.M. Lukman Esq: 1st Convict is a 36 year old male who have been married for over 12 years, married to a wife and four (4) children. He has a mother and father who are old and whom he catered for their needs. He is a first time offender and shows remorse and has also regretted his action over the period. He humbly urges the Court to consider his children and old parents. We therefore urge the Court to temper Justice with mercy by giving him an option of fine as the future of the Convict and his children lies on the mercy of this Honourable Court. We therefore urge the Court to temper Justice with mercy. We don’t intend to call witnesses to character. M.B. Abdullah Esq: The 2nd Convict is married with two (2) wives and many children. He lives with his parents who are of old age and he is the only one taking care of the parents. Precisely the father is presently seriously sick. He has no any other child to take care of his father. He is the bread winner of the said family and has shown remorse. He did not waste the precious time of this Court as he pleaded guilty and has paid the proceeds of the crime. He intended to enter plea bargain, but could not succeed in getting the co-operation of the prosecution. He is a first time offender. We pray that the 2nd Convict be giving an option of fine. See 309(1) and (2), Sections 310 and 311 of ACJL of Sokoto State, 2019. It is the discretion of this Court to give the Convict option of fine. 20