Farmer in court for allegedly stealing cocoa beans

The police on Friday arraigned a farmer,  Saliu Yekinni, 45, in an Ile-Ife Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing cocoa beans from a farm.

The police charged Yekini, with four counts of conspiracy, forceful entrance, threatening to life and breach of peace

The Police Prosecutor, Insp James Obaletan, told the court that the accused committed the offence on March 12, around 10 a.m. in Oloundudu village, Ife South Local Government.

Obaletan said that the accused entered the farm belonging to  Tewogbade Adekanmi and stole cocoa beans.

He also alleged that the accused threatened to harm  Adekanmi and one Sunday Ogungbemi.

The prosecutor said that the offence contravened the provisions of sections 81, 86, 249 and 390 (9) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Osun, 2002.

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The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.

The Defence Counsel, Mr Alabi Awoseemo and Mrs S. A. Salawu, prayed the court to admit their client to bail on the most liberal terms.

They pledged that their client would not jump bail.

Chief Magistrate Olukunle Owolawi, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Owolawi ordered that the address of the sureties must be verified by the prosecution as well as sureties to produce three recent passport photographs each.

He adjourned the case until April 10, for hearing.