An Ile-Ife Magistrates’ Court on Friday, remanded 40-year-old man, Taiwo Rufus, in prison for allegedly destroying 38 economic trees valued at N1. 4 million.

Magistrate Olukunle Owolawi ordered that Rufus be remanded in Ile-Ife Prison, until Monday.

Earlier, the Prosecutor, Insp Ona Glory, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on March 27, 2019 between 10 a.m and 6 p.m. at Agidi Village via Modakeke-Ife.

Glory said that the defendant conspired with others now at large to commit felony to wit stealing.

He added that the defendant forcibly entered into the farmland of Odelola Semiu with intent to commit felony therein.

According to him, the economic trees belong to Odelola Semiu.

The prosecutor stated further that the defendant unlawfully and maliciously damaged cocoa trees valued at N950,000 and plantain trees valued at N470,000.

He said the offence contravened the provisions of sections 81, 383, 390, 451 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Osun, 2002.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to conspiracy, intent to commit felony, stealing and malicious damage.

The Defence Counsel, Mr Abednego Enejo, prayed the court to grant his client bail in the most liberal term.

He promised that his client would not jump bail, but would produce reliable sureties.

 

 

NAN