By Kayode Afolabi, Ore
A 29-year-old labourer, David John, has been arraigned before an Odigbo Chief Magistrate Court for allegedly assaulting a man and stealing kolanuts worth N1 million.
The Ondo State Police Command brought the defendant before Chief Magistrate Festus Akinlolu on a three-count charge, which included assault and theft.
The prosecutor, Inspector Usifoh James, told the court that the incident occurred on October 30, 2024, around 9 a.m. at Irowa Camp, near Igbotako in Ondo State.
He alleged that John attacked one Fajuyi Adekunle, inflicting severe injury on his left cheek with a cutlass and engaging in conduct likely to disrupt public peace.
Inspector James further alleged that the defendant unlawfully trespassed onto a farm and stole kolanuts valued at N1 million, belonging to Adekunle.
The offences are said to contravene Sections 390, 355, and 249(d) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Volume 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.
Upon hearing the charges, the defendant pleaded not guilty.
Inspector James requested an adjournment to allow him to review the case file and prepare witnesses for trial.
The defence counsel, Mr. A. J. Agbor, did not object but appealed to the court to grant his client bail on lenient terms.
Chief Magistrate Akinlolu granted John bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.
The case was adjourned till November 7, 2024, for hearing.