Osun Monarch Arraigned Over Alleged Malicious Damage

A traditional monarch in Osun State, Oba Sulaimon Oloyede of Igbokiti land has been arraigned before a Magistrate sitting in Osogbo, the state capital, over alleged damage of properties and false statement to public officials.

The 60-year-old monarch, who appeared in court in his royal attire faced a four-count charge bordering on felony, threatening to life, malicious damage and making false statement to public officers.

The monarch was said to have willfully and unlawfully damaged economy trees such as Thick trees, Cashew  trees and Honey trees, valued at N5, 300, 000 properties belonging to one Tajudeen Adelabu.

Police Prosecutor, Lamidi Rasaq said the accused also made false statement at the Nigeria Police Zone XI Headquarters Osogbo, on the 9th of June, 2017.

The prosecutor argued that the act of the king is contrary to Section 451, 125, and 516 and punishable under Section 516 of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. II Laws of Osun State of Nigeria 2003.

The monarch however, with confident and loud voice pleaded not guilty to all the count charges slammed against him.

Defence Counsel, Barrister O Akintajuwa, applied for the bail of the accused in the most liberal terms.

Ruling on the matter,  Magistrate Olatundun Oloyade granted the monarch bail in the sum of N5, 000,000 and adjourned the case till December 7, 2017.