By Damilola Akinmolayan
& Rebecca Akintunde

|

A 40-year-old farmer, Odoh Peter, has been remanded by an Akure Chief Magistrates’ Court, for allegedly stealing fresh cocoa beans.

The accused person allegedly committed the offence on March 28, around 7am at Kajola Camp via Ala lgbatoro in Akure.

Peter pleaded not guilty to the offence slammed against him by the police.

The prosecutor, Inspector, Surpol Martins Olowofeso told the court that the accused person stole fresh cocoa beans valued N100,000 in the farmland of one Ajibola Adelusi.

The offence committed was contrary to Section 383 and punishable under Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code Cap 37, Vol 1 laws of the Ondo State of Nigeria 2006.

But Peter pleaded not guilty to the two counts offences.

His counsel, Daniel Onu, pleaded with the court that his client was innocent of the offences leveled against him.

The prosecutor prayed the court to adjourn the case in order for him to present his witnesses and prepare for the trial of the case.

Magistrate R.A Olumilua , in his ruling, ordered the remand of the accused person at the police station.

He adjourned the case till June 15,this year.

In a similar case, a 31-year-old unemployed man, Sobijoh Ezekiel, has appeared before an Akure Magistrates’ Court, over alleged stealing and unlawful possession of firearms.

Ezekiel, whose address was not provided, is being tried on six counts bothering on conspiracy, stealing and possession of firearms to which he pleaded not guilty.

The Prosecutor, Insp. Suliaman Adebayo told the court that the defendant committed the offences with some other persons at large at about 12.00pm on April 6 at Oroto, Ese-Odo local government area.

Adebayo alleged that the defendant was caught by the police with an unlicensed two locally-made single barrel gun and two unexpended cartridge.

He added that the defendant with others at large conspired on July 3, 2020 at Ibigi-ibigo Idi-Ogba community and stole gas cylinder, clothes, sandal and a bag of gaari, with N40,000 cash, belonging to one Mr. Jomine Sunday.

The prosecutor alleged that Sobijoh of also stole N170000, property of Ibikunle Gift.

The offences contravene Sections 516,390(9), of the Criminal Code, Cap 37. Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2016 and Sections 27(1)(b)(i) of the Firearms Act, Cap f2, Laws of the Federation of the Nigeria, 2004.

The Defendant Counsel, N.W Isaiah prayed the court to grant the defendant bail in liberal terms.

The presiding Magistrate, Temitayo Olowolabi in his ruling, granted the defendant bail  of N500,000 with a surety in like sum, and adjourned till May 25 for further hearing.