Ondo labourer arraigned over alleged destruction of palm trees

A labourer has been arraigned before a Chief Magistrates’ Court in Okitipupa, Ondo State, over allegations of damaging crops valued at half a million naira.

The 45-year-old defendant, Kunle Igbayemi, is facing a two-count charge involving conspiracy and the destruction of young palm trees and plantain crops. He denied the allegations when the charges were read in court.

Prosecuting counsel,  Ayodeji Omoyeigha, told the court that the incident occurred on 17 February at about 11:30 a.m. on a farm located along the Ayeka-Irele road. He alleged that the accused, alongside another suspect who remains at large, unlawfully entered the farmland belonging to Mr Felix Ayenuro and destroyed crops following a dispute over land.

According to the prosecution, the suspect was later apprehended by the police.

The offences are said to breach Sections 451 and 517 of the Criminal Law of Ondo State, 2006.

In his ruling, Chief Magistrate Mayowa Olanipekun granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100,000 with one surety in like amount. The court directed that the surety must reside within its jurisdiction and present proof of tax payment to the Ondo State Government for the past two years.

The matter was adjourned until 28 April for hearing.