Ile-Ife (Osun), Feb. 26, 2026(NAN) A 54-year-old man, Ogbonna Utom, on Thursday appeared before an Ile-Ife Magistrates’ Court in Osun for allegedly stealing cocoa beans worth N1.8 million.
The defendant, whose address was not provided, is facing a three-count charge of forceful entry, grabbing and stealing.
The prosecutor, Insp Adesina Elijah, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on Nov. 13, 2025 at about 1.00p.m at Dada Village via Ifetedo, Ife North Local Government.
Elijah alleged that the defendant forcefully entered two acres of cocoa plantation farm, property of the complainant, Micheal Otu Ezi
He added that the defendant also stole cocoa beans valued at N1.8 million, belonging to the complainant.
He disclosed that the defendant unlawfully coerced and intimidated the complainant that caused him psychological trauma.
The prosecutor said the offences contravened Section 3(1),(2)(3b) and punishable under Section 4 of Osun State Forceful Entry and Illegal occupation of Landed Properties Prohibition, Laws 2019.
Elijah stated further that the offences contravened Section 383 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Osun State, 2002 and Section 4 of Osun State Violence Against Person Prohibition Laws, 2021.
Mr Okon Wonder, the defence counsel, applied for the bail of the defendant, pledging that his client would not jump bail.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Magistrate, Mr Taofeek Badmus, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with one surety in like sum.
Badmus ordered that the surety must provide evidence of three years tax payment to Osun Government and show proof of means of identification.
He adjourned the case until March 16, for hearing. (NAN)
