Septuagenarian, 3 others docked for destroying Ataoja of Osogbo’s N1.8m palm trees

A 72-year old man, identifed as Suleman Akande, alongside Jimoh Ajao, 50, Ganiyu Adigun, 50 and Jimoh Ajadi, 60 were on Wednesday arraigned before a Magistrate Court, sitting in Osogbo, Osun State capital for destroying palm trees, worth N1.8 million, belonging to the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun.

The accused were docked on a 4-count charge, bothering on threat to life, malicious damage, forceful entry and breach of peace.

The Police Prosecutor, Mr Taiwo Adegoke informed the court that sometimes in August, 2017 at Irepodun community, the accused persons forcibly entered the land of Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, Laroye II, the Ataoja of Osogbo in a manner likely to cause breach of peace and willfully damaged 18 palm trees valued at N1.8m.

Adegoke disclosed that the accused persons also erected a foundation on the land and on the 7th of December, 2017, threatened the life of the Baale of Iredopun community, Chief Adewale Sikiru and the life of his Royal Majesty, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun.

He explained that the offences contravened sections 81, 86, 249(d), 430 and 516(A) of the Criminal Code Cap 34, volume II, Laws of Osun State of Nigeria 2003.

The accused persons, however pleaded not guilty to the offences leveled against them and their counsel, Barrister Adeyinka Dada prayed the court to grant them  bail in the most liberal terms.

In his ruling, Magistrate Mary Awodele granted the accused persons bail of N200,000 with two sureties each and adjourned the case till the 2nd of February, 2017 for hearing.