Four men face court for allegedly stealing N1m worth of cocoa beans

Four men, Olayemi Samuel, 83; Bakare Rasheed, 65; Makinde Segun, 65; and Julius Adefiwetan, 52, on Wednesday appeared before an Ile-Ife Magistrates’ Court over alleged stealing of cocoa beans, worth N1 million.

The Prosecutor, Insp Adesina Elijah, told court that the defendants committed the offence on March 23, around 2p.m. at Omojoda-Oke Awo Village, Ile-Ife.

Elijah said that the defendants conspired with others, now at large, to commit felony to wit: stealing.

He added that the defendants stole some cocoa beans, valued at N1 million, some bunches of plantain, worth N250,000 and some palm fruits, worth N250,000, all property of one Ayisat Adah.

According to him, the defendants unlawfully and forcibly entered into a cocoa plantation and palm-tree farm at Omojoda Oke Awo Village via Ile-Ife, which belongs to Ayisat Adah.

The Prosecutor also stated that the offence contravened sections: 81, 383. 390(9) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Osun, 2002.

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and forcible entrance into a property.

The Defence Counsel, Mr Sunday Unah, applied for bail for the defendant in most liberal terms, pledging that his clients would not jump bail, but would produce responsible sureties.

The Magistrate, Abosede Sarumi, granted the defendants bail to the tune of N200,000 each with one surety in like sum.

Sarumi ordered that the sureties must swear to affidavit of means, reside within the court’s jurisdiction, whose addresses must be verified by the prosecutor.

She stated further that the sureties must provide three years tax clearance certificates and means of identification.

The case was adjourned until Dec. 4, for hearing.