By Dorcas Elusogbon
A 43-year-old farmer, Adedinni Adetola, was arraigned on Thursday before an Ile-Ife Magistrates’ Court for the alleged theft of palm fruits.
The Prosecutor, Insp Elisha Adesina, told the court that the accused, along with others now at large, is facing a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing, forceful entry and breach of the peace.
Adesina said the defendant committed the offences on Aug. 21, 2022, around 2.00 p.m. at Idu Village, off Ondo Road, Ile-Ife.
He alleged that the defendant and the others unlawfully and forcefully entered the cash crop farm of one Kehinde Fashogbon and stole items worth N75,000.
He gave the breakdown of the stolen items to include 135 bunches of palm fruits and five basins, valued at N67,500 and N7,500 respectively.
The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 81, 383, 390(9), 516 and 517 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Osun, 2002.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The defence counsel, Mr Muritala Agboola, pleaded that the bail be in the most liberal terms, promising that his client would not jump bail.
Magistrate O.T. Badmus admitted the accused to a bail in the sum of N500,000, with one surety in like sum.
Badmus thereafter said the surety, who must reside within the court’s jurisdiction, must swear to an affidavit of means.
According to him, the surety must also provide tax clearance certificates for three years, as well as attach three recent passport photographs.
The case was adjourned till July 13 for hearing. (NAN)
