By Akinnodi Francis, Ondo

A 52-year-old man, Akinkuolie Gbenga, has been arraigned before the Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ondo for allegedly stealing cocoa pods and kolanuts and destroying a kolanut plantation.

The defendant is facing charges of conspiracy and felony, specifically malicious damage, stealing, and forcible entry, including the destruction of a kolanut plantation valued at ₦40,000,000 and the theft of kolanut and cocoa pods worth ₦1,200,000.

The alleged property belongs to Akinlosotu Adekunle and two others.

The offences were reportedly committed in July 2024 at the Abusoro Opaja area of Ondo town.

According to the charge sheet, the alleged crimes contravene Sections 516, 451, 390(9), and 81 of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Volume 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.

The document further revealed that the defendant, in collaboration with others still at large, conspired to commit the offences.

It stated in part: “That you, Akinkuolie Gbenga, 52, and others still at large, sometime in July 2024, at Abusoro Opaja area of Ondo town within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did conspire together to commit a felony, to wit malicious damage, stealing, and forcible entry, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 516 of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Volume 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.”

The prosecution alleged that the defendant, alongside his accomplices, invaded Akinlosotu’s farmland in July 2024, destroyed a kolanut plantation valued at ₦40,000,000, and stole kolanuts and cocoa pods worth ₦1,200,000.

In another incident during the same month, the defendant and his accomplices were accused of breaching the peace by unlawfully entering a farmland in the possession of Akinlosotu Adekunle and two others.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to all four charges.

The police prosecutor, Supol Bernard Olagbayi, informed the court of his intention to call four witnesses and requested time to review the case file.

The defendant’s legal counsel, Akinnuga Hawkins, applied for bail on his behalf.

Magistrate Mrs O.A. Omofolarin granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦500,000, with two sureties in like sum. She stipulated that the sureties must be blood relatives of the defendant and provide evidence of tax clearance, two recent passport photographs, and valid identification.

The defendant is to remain in custody at Yaba Police Station until the bail conditions are met.

The case has been adjourned to February 11, 2025, for a report on settlement or hearing.