Osun Monarch, 4 Others In Court Over Alleged Destruction Of Farm, Crops Worth N200m

Five people, including a royal father, the Elegbedi of Egbedi, Oba Muideen Azeez, on Wednesday, appeared before an Osun State High Court, sitting in Ede, on offences bordering on arson and destruction of farm and crops worth N200m.

Others who appeared with Oba Azeez before Justice Kudirat Akano on 29-count include Akibu Abioye, Yisa Akolapo, Rasidi Ayandiran and Sarafadeen Abioye.

The details of the offences allegedly committed by the defendants as contained in the sheet partially read, “Oba Muideen Olanivi Azeez (A.k.a Asemalu,) Akeeb Azeez Abioye, Yisa Surajudeen Akolapo (A.k.a. Kola Isah), Rasidi Ayandiran, Sarafadeen Abioye and others at large, on or about September 3, 2019, at a farm in Oloba within the Ede Judicial Division, while armed with firearms and offensive weapons, robbed Wasilatu Akinola and other women processing palm oil with her of about 70 kegs of palm oil, palm kernel, palm fruits, goats and other domestic animals valued at about N10m, and at, or immediately before or immediately after the time of the robbery did use personal violence to the said Wasilatu Akinola and other women with her.

“Oba Muideen Olanivi Azeez (A.k.a Asemalu,) Akeeb Azeez Abioye, Yisa Surajudeen Akolapo (A.k.a. Kola Isah), Rasidi Ayandiran, Sarafadeen Abioye and others at large, on September 3, 2019, at a farm in Iloba within Ede Judicial Division willingly and unlawfully set the palace of Oba Lasisi Gbadamosi, Oloba of Iloba and other buildings in Iloba town on fire.”

The offences committed were said to be contrary to Sections 402, 403A, 443, 2(1), 249(1) of the State Criminal Law 2002.

After their charges were read to them, the defendants pleaded not guilty to all the 29 counts pressed against them.

Mr Dele Akintayo, from the state Ministry of Justice, had announced an appearance for the prosecution, while Mr Bukola Atobatele appeared for the defence.

While being led by the prosecutor and under cross-examination, the prosecution witness, Abiodun Oladapo, said the defendants damaged properties belonging to Opeoluwa Integrated Farming Resources, covering about 127 acres of land in four different locations in Iloba.

According to him, the belongings of the farm and farm produce destroyed were valued at over N200m, adding that the company had gone bankrupt due to the activities of the defendants.

The defence counsel, Atobatele, while addressing the court, pleaded that his clients be allowed to continue to enjoy the bail granted them by the magistrate court.

Akintayo however opposed the prayer of the defence counsel, noting that the charges pressed against the defendants before the Magistrate Court were different from those before them at the High Court.

In her ruling, Justice Akano adjourned the matter till July 4, 2024, to rule on bail application.

Source: Punch