By Oluwadamilola Akinduro
An Akure Magistrates’ Court has ordered the remand of a teenager, Usman Manu, at the Olokuta Correctional Centre for allegedly engaging in open grazing of livestock in Ondo State.
Manu was arraigned before the court by the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, on a five-count charge bordering on open grazing.
According to the prosecuting counsel, DS Msonter Shagba, the incident occurred on October 1, 2025, around 5 p.m. at the Elegbeka Reserve, Ifon, in Ose Local Government area of the state.
The prosecution alleged that the accused unlawfully grazed livestock on a farm belonging to one Momoh Jimoh without obtaining a permit. The livestock were said to have destroyed planted yams, cassava, cocoyams, and maize valued at ₦700,000.
Shagba further told the court that the defendant’s animals also destroyed crops belonging to three other farmers — Nasiru Isiaka (₦400,000), Usman Suleiman (₦600,000), and Samuel Isah (₦800,000).
He noted that the offences contravened Sections 32(1) and 32(3) of the Ondo State Livestock Rearing and Grazing Regulation and Ranches Establishment Law, 2021.
When the charges were read to him, Manu pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, who stated that witnesses were ready to testify, requested an adjournment to allow a review of the case file.
However, defence counsel, G. O. Omoedu and Ominidougha, prayed the court to grant their client bail on lenient terms, assuring that he would not abscond and would provide credible sureties.
In his ruling, Magistrate Damilola Sekoni granted bail in the sum of ₦1 million with two sureties in like sum.
The magistrate ordered that the sureties must submit affidavits of means, two passport-sized photographs each (including those of the accused), and proof of gainful employment attached to the bail bond.
He also directed that the sureties deposit ₦500,000 each as bond, payable into the High Court registry for the complainant’s benefit, and ordered court officials to verify their addresses.
However, Manu was remanded at the Olokuta Correctional Centre after failing to meet the bail conditions.
The case was adjourned till December 3, 2025, for hearing.