By George George Idowu
A 35-year-old farmer in Ondo state, Kehinde Omosebi, has been arraigned before Okitipupa Chief Magistrates’ Court on Friday for allegedly felling economic trees valued at N15 million.
Omosebi is facing three charges: forced entry, breach of peace, and malicious damage. However, Omosebi has pleaded not guilty to these charges.
Prosecutor Ayodeji Omoyeigha informed the court that Omosebi and two others, currently at large, conspired to commit breach of peace and malicious damage.
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The offences were allegedly committed in the early hours around 12:20 p.m. on January 20 at Imoron farm, Ajagba, in the Irele magisterial district.
Omoyeigha stated that Omosebi and his accomplices forcefully entered farmland belonging to Adetoun Akindele and felled 200 young palm trees valued at N5 million and 100 young rubber trees worth N10 million.
According to the prosecutor, these actions contravened Sections 517, 81, and 451 of the Criminal Code, Cap.37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.
Chief Magistrate Patrick Ajele granted him bail in the sum of N500,000, with two sureties in like amount. The sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and present evidence of two years of tax payment to the state government.
The case was adjourned until July 22 for further hearing.
