Three men have been brought before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan for allegedly stealing and destroying a maize plantation valued at ₦25 million.
The defendants — Olaide Oyesola (40), Sataru Yunusa (45), and Odubayo Olufisayo — are facing a six-count charge, including conspiracy, theft, malicious damage, unlawful entry, assault, and conduct likely to breach the peace. Their residential addresses were not disclosed.
According to the prosecutor, Insp. Salewa Hammed, the accused conspired to steal maize worth ₦5 million and maliciously damaged the plantation. He also alleged that the trio unlawfully excavated sand from the farmland, valued at ₦23 million, and assaulted workers on the site.
The farm, located at Victoria Garden City, Kilometre 8, Old Oyo Road, Ibadan, is said to be managed by Atolans Resources Limited, represented in court by Adelani Adesope. The prosecution claimed the offences occurred between January and November 2024.
Hammed further alleged that the defendants forcibly evicted employees of the company and unlawfully entered land in the company’s possession.
He stated that the offences violated Section 383 and are punishable under Sections 81, 249(d), 390(9), 451, and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Chief Magistrate Maaruf Mudashiru granted them bail in the sum of ₦5 million each, with one surety apiece in like sum. He adjourned the matter until 7 August for hearing.
(NAN)