Man, 25, Arraigned For ‘Stealing’ Cashew Nuts

A 25-year-old man, Babatunde Filani, has been arraigned at a Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ilupeju-Ekiti, Ekiti State, for allegedly stealing cashew nuts, valued at N150,000.

Police prosecutor Matthew Omale alleged that the suspect on March 22, at 10am, on Adimula Farm, Ijelu-Ekiti, Oye Magisterial District, unlawfully entered the farm of Mr. Gabriel Adimula and stole the nuts.

He alleged that the accused on the same date, time and place assaulted Mrs. Lydia Adimula, wife of his victim, by beating her up.

The prosecutor said the offences contravened sections 81, 383, 390 (9), 355 and 249 (D) of the Criminal Code Volume 1 Cap16 Laws of Ekiti, 2012.

He prayed the court for an adjournment, to enable him prepare for the case.

The accused, who is facing a four-count charge of unlawful entrance, stealing, breach of the peace and assault, pleaded not guilty.

Chief Magistrate John Ayodele granted the accused bail at N50,000 with one surety.

He said the surety must swear to a “Means of Affidavit” and adjourned the case till April 26 for hearing.

Four suspects; Frederick Adimula, 20; Timilehin Adimula, 16; Ojuolape Adimula, 17 and Tomilola Adimula, 16, have appeared at the same court for allegedly assaulting Babatunde Filani.

Omale said the accused, onMarch 22, on Adimula Farm, Ijelu-Ekiti, beat up their victim.

He prayed the court for an adjournment to enable him prepare for the case. When the charge was read to the accused, they pleaded not guilty.

Frederick claimed he did not know how Filani sustained injuries, but agreed that they fought when the latter was caught stealing cashew nuts.

Chief Magistrate Ayodele granted the accused bail at N50,000 with two sureties and adjourned the case till April 26 for hearing.