Woman, one other docked over alleged stealing of cocoa, cutlass

A 35-year-old woman and man, Esther Fayemi and Temidayo Oladosu, were docked before an Ifetedo Magistrate’s Court over alleged stealing and breach of peace.

The Prosecutor, Inspector Monday Ojiezele, told the court that that the accused committed the offence on Jan 12, 2017 around 1:00 pm at Kajola/Odebunmi village,via Ifetedo, Ife South LG area of Osun.

Ojiezele said that the accused conspired with  four other persons at large to wit: stealing, and malicious damage.

He added that the accused conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause the breach of peace by forcefully entering into cocoa/kolanut farmland of one Oyebade Badmus.

According to him, the accused assault one Najeem Badmus by using sticks to beat up him, adding that the accused stole some fresh cocoa, go-to-hell (an implement used in harvesting cocoa pod) and cutlass, valued at N18,500.

The prosecutor stated further that the offence was contrary to section 383 (1) and punishable under sections 81,249 ( d),  351, 390 (9) and 516 of the Criminal Code Cap 34, Vol 11, Laws of Osun, 2002.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the five-count charge of conspiracy, breach of peace, stealing, malicious damage and public assault.

The defence counsel, Mr Joseph Amole, applied for the bail of the accused in most Libra term, saying bail is the constitutional right of the accused.

Amole promised that his clients would not jump bail, but provide reliable sureties.

Magistrate Dorcas Ajiboye granted the accused bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in same amount.

Ajiboye added that the sureties must swear to affidavit of means, resides within the court jurisdiction, address to be verified by court official, with two recent passport photographs as well as presentation of three years tax clearance.

She adjourned the case to May 3, for hearing.