By Oluwadamilola Akinduro

A middle-aged barber, Tobi Ademimiko, has been sentenced to six months’ imprisonment by an Akure Magistrate’s Court, for stealing assorted farm produce worth N700,000 from a farmland in Ondo town.

The convict was arrested by operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, after he was caught, when he unlawfully entered a farmland located along Itanla Street, Ondo, around 8:15 a.m. on November 5, 2024.

Ademimiko was said to have harvested and stolen maize, plantains, cocoyams, tomatoes and yams, all valued at N700,000,  belonging to one Sunday Igwe.

During the court proceedings, the state prosecutor, O.F. Akeredolu, informed the court that the offence violated Sections 383 and 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.

When the charge was read to him, the defendant pleaded guilty, prompting the prosecutor to urge the court to hand down a punishment that would deter others from committing similar crimes.

In his ruling, Magistrate T.I. Ayodele, described the offence as a grave one and consequently sentenced Ademimiko to six months’ imprisonment without an  option of  fine.