Farmers arraigned in court for alleged cocoa theft

By Kayode Afolabi, Ore
Two farmers, Seyi Williams, 42, and Oto James, 42, have been arraigned before an Ore Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing cocoa beans valued at N250,000.
The police brought the defendants before Magistrate A. A. Fasanu on a two-count charge bordering on felony and stealing.
According to the prosecution, the defendants committed the offence on January 8, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Onipako Camp, near Ofosu, Ondo State.
The prosecutor, Inspector A. Odejide, informed the court that the defendants conspired to unlawfully enter a cocoa farm, harvest, and steal fresh cocoa beans valued at N250,000, belonging to one Richard Adebusuyi.
The alleged offences contravene Sections 516 and 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Volume 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Inspector Odejide requested an adjournment to allow time to review the case file and prepare witnesses for trial.
Counsel for the defendants, Mr. G. Ibe and Mr. Taiwo Arowosegbe, did not oppose the prosecutor’s request but appealed to the court to grant bail to the defendants on lenient terms.
In his ruling, Magistrate A. A. Fasanu granted the defendants bail in the sum of N300,000 each, with two sureties in like sum.
The case was adjourned to February 19, 2025, for hearing.