MICHAEL AKINOLA
A 45-year old man, Michael Obeyagbor, has been arrested and charged before an Ile-Ife Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing of 12 pigs, worth N1.2 million on Christmas day.
The Prosecutor, ASP Emmanuel Abdullahi, told the Court that the defendant committed the offences on 25th December, 2022, by 4:30am at Oniyanrin Mosan area of Ile-Ife.
Mr. Abdullahi said that the defendant stole 12 pigs valued at N1.2 million, property of one Olusola Ojo.
He added that the defendant unlawfully encroached into a piece of land being used for piggery pens, armed with dangerous weapons, which he used to threaten the owner of the pens.
The prosecutor said that the defendant deprived the owner of the pens access to the livestock, which served as his means of livelihood.
He further stated that the defendant unlawfully, and with cruelty to the animals, had on several occasions, shot and killed some piglets without any justification.
The prosecutor explained that the defendant conducted himself in a manner likely to cause mayhem at Oniyanrin area of Ile-Ife.
According to him, the offences contravene Sections 81, 249(d), 390(3)(9) and 450 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Osun, 2022.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the four-count charge of stealing, encroachment, killing and breach of peace.
The Defence Counsel, Gbenga Omiwole, applied for bail for the defendant in the most liberal term, pledging that his client would not jump bail but would provide reliable sureties.
The Presiding Magistrate, A.O. Famuyide, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000, with two sureties in like sum.
He said that the sureties must swear to affidavits of means and reside within the Court’s jurisdiction.
The matter was adjourned to 16th January, 2023, for mention while the defendant was remanded in custody at the Correctional Centre pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.