By Bamidele Kolawole

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A Muslim cleric, Alhaji Mohammed Saka and one other, Tayo Olaleye, have been dragged before an Akure Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing  a motorcycle and bags of cocoa beans worth N1million.

Men of the Nigeria Security Network, Amotekun Corps arraigned Alhaji Saka, 47, and Olaleye, 29, for conspiracy to steal five and half bags of dried Cocoa beans valued at N410,000.

Other items they were alleged of stealing, include some empty sacks valued at N52,000 and one Haojue lady Motorcycle, Suzuki Product valued at N500,000, belonging to one Ojo Alomaga.

The duo were said to have willfully set fire on the crops and farmland of the complainant between January, 29, 2022 at about 11:30pm at Igboke Camp, Via Ipele, Owo within the Ondo Magisterial District.

The charge read in part, “That you, Alhaji Abubakar Saka and Olaleye Tayo, on or about the January, 29, 2022 at about 2330 hrs at Igboke Camp, Via Ipele, Owo within the Ondo State Magisterial District did steal five and half bags of dried Cocoa beans valued at N410,000, and empty sacks valued at N52,000 and one Haojue  Lady Motorcycle Suzuki Product valued at N500,000, belonging to one Ojo Alomaga.

“That you, Alhaji Abubakar Saka and Tayo Olaleve, on same date, time and place within the Ondo State Magistenal Distnct did willfully and unlawfully set fire on the crops and farmland of one Ojo Alomaga and thereby committed an offence .

According to the prosecution, the offences contravene Sections 516, 445 and punishable under Section 390(6) of the Criminal Code Cap 37, Vol 1 Law of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.

The duo, pleaded not guilty to the two counts against them.

The State prosecutor, Osobu Itunu, urged the court to adjourn the case to enable him present his witness in court.

The defence counsel, Adedamola Ambekemo, applied for his clients’ bail, promising that they world provide credible and reliable sureties.

He said,” The first defendant in question is a clergy, adding that the allegation leveled against him was wrong.

The Presiding Magistrate, Musa Al-Yunus , in his ruling, admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N600,000 each with two sureties in like sum.

He added that the sureties must live within the court’s jurisdiction, they must provide two years tax clearance and two photographer’s passport.

He, thereafter adjourned the case till June 2, 2022 for hearing.