By Funmilayo Okunade
The police on Thursday arraigned a 41-year-old man, Oluyemi Oluwole, before an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly damaging economic trees and converting funds valued at N10.5 million.
The defendant, who has no fixed address, is standing trial on a three-count charge of malicious damage, conversion of funds, and threats to life.
The police prosecutor, Insp Akinwale Oriyomi, told the court that the offence was committed sometime in 2024.
He alleged that the defendant maliciously damaged farm plantations, including kolanut trees, palm trees, and other economic trees valued at N10 million, belonging to Chief Solomon Adegbite.
Oriyomi further alleged that the defendant converted N500,000, proceeds from the sale of the complainant’s economic trees, and threatened to kill him.
According to the prosecutor, the offences contravened Sections 354 and 295, and are punishable under Sections 302 and 46 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.
The prosecutor requested an adjournment to study the case file and assemble witnesses.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.
His counsel, Mr Femi Olajide, urged the court to grant bail, assuring that his client would not abscond.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr Abayomi Adeosun, granted bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case until March 6, for hearing. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)