A 45-year-old labourer, Gabriel Adebayo, was on Friday arraigned before an Okitipupa Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State over the alleged theft of palm fruits valued at N500,000.
Adebayo, whose residential address was not disclosed, is facing a two-count charge of felony and stealing.
The police prosecutor, Inspector Ayodeji Omoyeigha, told the court that the defendant and two accomplices, who remain at large, allegedly committed the offence on May 25 at about 5:30 a.m. at a palm plantation along the Okitipupa-Aye Road in the Okitipupa Magisterial District.
According to the prosecution, the suspects allegedly stole palm fruits worth N500,000 belonging to one Modesola Ikumawoyi.
Omoyeigha said the alleged offenses contravene Sections 516 and 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Chief Magistrate Mayowa Olanipekun granted Adebayo bail in the sum of N200,000 with one surety in like amount.
The court ruled that the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and provide evidence of two years’ tax payments to the Ondo State Government.
The case was adjourned until July 22 for further hearing.
SOURCE: NAN
