A 25-year-old artisan, Simeon Kemapeme, on Wednesday, appeared before an Okitipupa Chief Magistrates’ Court, in Ondo State, for allegedly stealing bunches of palm fruits worth one million naira.
The defendant, whose address was not stated, is standing trial on a two-count charge of forceful entry and stealing.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecutor, ASP Zedekiah Orogbemi, told the court that the defendant. and others now at large, committed the offence on April. 17, around 5.00 a.m. at Fathright Agro Allied company palm plantation in Barogbo.
He alleged that the defendant and his accomplices stole bunches of palm fruits worth one million naira, belonging to Forthright Agro Allied company.
According to the prosecutor, the defendant was eventually arrested following police investigation.
The offences contravene the provisions of sections 81 and 390 (9), of the Criminal Law of Ondo State, 2006.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Olayemi Olumekun, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with one surety in like sum.
She ordered that the surety must be resident within Irele magisterial jurisdiction, and must present evidence of two years tax payment to the state government.
He, adjourned the case until May 25, for hearing. (NAN)
