A 55-year-old man, Durojaiye Olufemi, on Monday appeared before an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court in Isabo, over alleged damage of palm trees worth N11 million.
The defendant, whose address was not stated, is standing trial on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and malicious damage to property.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecutor, Insp. Opeyemi Lawal, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on Sept. 24, at about 2 p.m., at Ilewo-Orile, Abeokuta.
Lawal alleged that Olufemi unlawfully entered the property of one Mr Ogundipe Bimbo, claiming to be the rightful owner of the land.
He further alleged that the defendant maliciously sprayed chemicals on palm trees planted on the land, and consequently destroying the trees.
The palm trees are valued at N11 million.
According to the prosecutor, all efforts by the complainant to persuade Olufemi to leave the property failed.
He said the matter was consequently reported to the police, leading to the defendant’s arrest.
The offences contravene the provisions of sections 451 and 516 of the Criminal Law of Ogun, 2026.
The Magistrate, Ms O.T. Odubanjo, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N2.5 million, with one surety in like sum.
Odubanjo ordered that the surety must be a registered bondsman with the Ogun State Judiciary.
The court further ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Oba Correctional Centre pending perfection of his bail conditions.
She adjourned the case until Nov. 19, for hearing.
