A 65-year-old man, Ibrahim Idowu, was on Monday brought before an Osogbo Magistrates’ Court in Osun State for allegedly destroying economic trees worth N200, 000.

Idowu is facing four charges of malicious damage, unlawful entry, stealing and unlawful cutting of trees.

The accused pleaded not guilty the offences.

The Prosecutor, ASP Abiodun Fagboyinbo, told the court that the accused committed the offences on May 26, 2018 around 11am at Alabadi in Okinni area of Osogbo.

Fagboyinbo said Idowu unlawfully entered Oba Akadiri Okanola’s farm and destroyed economic tress including kola-nut and cocoa trees.

He said the accused cut the trees into planks valued at N200,000 without the consent of the rightful owner.

The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 516, 451, 383(1) and 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Cap 34 vol. 11, Laws of Osun, 2003.

The Defence counsel, Mr Peter Ogundari, prayed the court to grant his client bail in the most liberal terms.

The Magistrate, Mrs Mary Awodele, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.
Awodele said the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction with evidence of tax payments.

She said the sureties must attach two passport-sized photographs to the affidavit of means.

The case was adjourned until February 26 for mention.

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