A 55-year-old farmer, Sunday Olowosoga, on Friday, October 31, 2025, appeared before an Okitipupa Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State, over alleged malicious damage of some crops and palm trees worth N3 million.
The defendant, whose address was not given, was facing a two-count charge bordering on misdemeanor and malicious damage.
The Police prosecutor, ASP Zedekiah Orogbemi, told the court that the defendant and one other at large, on Sept. 11 at about 10.00 a.m at Lurere village in Ode-Irele, Ode-Irele magisterial district, conspired to commit misdemeanor.
Orogbemi said the defendant, and one other at large, took a bulldozer to Lurere Village and destroyed some crops and young palm trees valued at N3 million.
According to the prosecutor, the destruction is over an undisclosed arguement with one Samuel Oyedele, the owner of the farmland.
He also said the defendant committed offences contrary to and punishable under Sections 517 and 457, Criminal Code, Cap.37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr. Olarenwaju Adelegan, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N1.2 million and one surety in like sum.
Adelegan added that the surety must be resident within the court’s jurisdiction and also present evidence of two years tax payment to the state government.
He adjourned the case until Nov.10 for further hearing.
By Aderemi Bamgbose