A 32-year-old palm oil depot worker, Timothy Arolowo, on Friday appeared before an Okitipupa Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State for allegedly stealing palm fruits valued at N150, 000.
The defendant, whose address was not given, is facing a one-count charge of stealing.
The prosecutor, ASP Zedekiah Orogbemi, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on Oct. 27 at about 7:00 p.m. at a palm oil depot on Okitipupa-Ikoya road in Okitipupa.
He said the defendant and two others still at large, stole palm fruits ready to be processed to palm oil at the palm oil depot belonging to the complainant, Yetunde Ogunyemi.
Orogbemi said that the offence was punishable under Section 390(9), Criminal Code, Cap.37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge levelled against him.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr Chris Ojuola, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100, 000 and two sureties in like sum.
He added that the sureties must reside within the court jurisdiction and show evidence of two years tax payment to the Ondo State Government.
He adjourned the case until Dec.23 for further hearing.