Ado Ekiti, Nigeria – A 20-year-old cattle rearer, Mohamadu Bello, has been arraigned before an Ado Ekiti Chief Magistrate’s Court for allegedly causing extensive damage to farm produce valued at N3.8 million. The case was presented by the police prosecutor, Inspector Elijah Adejare, on Thursday.
According to Inspector Adejare, the incident occurred on August 10 in Ido Ile Ekiti, where Bello, while herding cattle, allegedly destroyed crops belonging to four individuals. The breakdown of the damaged farm produce includes:
- N300,000 worth of crops belonging to Awiye Olusola.
- N2.8 million worth of crops belonging to Oni Samson.
- N300,000 worth of crops belonging to Igbalajobi Adeyomi.
- N400,000 worth of crops belonging to Akinola Sunday.
The charges brought against Bello fall under Section 363 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021, which deals with malicious damage to property.
Inspector Adejare requested the court to grant an adjournment to allow time for a thorough review of the case file and the presentation of witnesses.
Representing the defendant, Mr. Adeyemi Egbebi appealed to the court for bail, assuring that Bello would comply with all court requirements.
Chief Magistrate Bankole Oluwasanmi granted Bello bail in the sum of N80,000, with a requirement for one surety in like sum. The case was adjourned until September 6 for further hearing.
Separate Case of Motorcycle Theft
In a related development, another Chief Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti, presided over by Mr. Abayomi Adeosun, granted bail to two men, Hammed Abdulrasheed, 22, and Abiodun Aluko, 42, who were arraigned for allegedly stealing a Bajaj motorcycle.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Alice Ojo informed the court that the incident occurred on August 6 in Ado Ekiti. Abdulrasheed was accused of stealing the motorcycle, valued at N1.2 million, while Aluko was allegedly found in possession of the stolen vehicle.
Both defendants were charged under Sections 302 and 343 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.
Defense counsel Mr. Adeyemi Egbebi again requested bail for the defendants, which was granted by Chief Magistrate Adeosun in the sum of N250,000 each, with one surety per defendant. The case was adjourned to September 27 for further proceedings.
These cases underscore ongoing legal efforts in Ekiti State to address property damage and theft, with the courts maintaining a rigorous approach to upholding the law.