A courtroom briefly turned lively after a suspect blamed Nigeria's economic hardship under President Bola Tinubu for his alleged involvement in crime.
In a video circulating online, the suspect, who was standing trial for an undisclosed offence, pleaded for leniency in Igbo.
"Please forgive me. I will not do it again. It's Tinubu's fault," he said, prompting laughter from court staff and others present.
The video has drawn mixed reactions on social media. While some users found the remark amusing, others argued that economic hardship does not excuse criminal conduct.
On Facebook, one user, @engr Benjamin Chukwemeka, wrote, "Make una release the young man."
Another, @Ken Ilongwo, commented, "Tinubu do this one ooo…"
Others criticised the suspect for attempting to blame the country's economic challenges for his alleged actions.
One user, @Seun Felious, wrote, "Indeed, a thief is a thief."
Similarly, @Allen Jobbo commented, "This may sound funny to almost everyone. But it is not."
The video has continued to generate discussion online, with many debating the impact of economic hardship on people's lives and the extent to which individuals should be held accountable for their actions.
