Okitipupa (Ondo State) March 13, 2026 (NAN) A 60-year-old farmer, Tolani Aribo on Friday, appeared before an Okitipupa Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State, over alleged malicious damage of a young palm tree worth N200,000.
The defendant whose address was not given, is standing trial on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and malicious damage.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecutor, ASP Zedekiah Orogbemi told the court that the defendant committed the offence on Jan. 12 at about 11.20 a.m. at Igbodigo, Ayeka bypass in Okitipupa.
Orogbemi, alleged that following a dispute, the defendant entered into the plantation of one Wemimo Akindele, and maliciously destroyed her young palm trees.
The offence contravenes the provisions of sections 457 and 517 of the Criminal Laws of Ondo State, 2006.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr Olarenwaju Adelagan, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100,000 with one surety in like sum.
He added that the surety must be resident within the court’s jurisdiction and must also present evidence of two years tax payment made to the state government.
He adjourned the case until March 26, for hearing. (NAN)
