Court jails two for stealing N5m corn in Ekiti
The Ekiti State Magistrates’ Court on Thursday sentenced two individuals, Akinyele Ojo and Michael Sunday, to two years’ imprisonment for conspiracy, unlawful entry, and theft of corn valued at over
The Ekiti State Magistrates’ Court on Thursday sentenced two individuals, Akinyele Ojo and Michael Sunday, to two years’ imprisonment for conspiracy, unlawful entry, and theft of corn valued at over N5 million.
The convicts were arraigned alongside Ipkechi Thomas, 25, and Michael Monday, 13, on nine counts relating to conspiracy, forceful entry, and stealing.
According to the charge sheet, the defendants broke into Suolayor Farm in Iwaji-Ekiti, Efon Local Government Area, and stole corn belonging to a group of farmers.
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Chief Magistrate Bayode Ebenezer Owoeye noted that the case was first instituted in September 2024, with the defendants pleading not guilty to all charges. He added that while an initial out-of-court settlement had been considered, the matter was revived after the defendants denied negotiating with the complainants.
At the resumed hearing, defence counsel J.L. Balogun urged the court to temper justice with mercy, describing the defendants as young individuals with promising futures.
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Balogun argued that the offences attracted options of fine or community service, adding that the complainants did not physically witness the defendants stealing the corn.
However, the police prosecutor, Inspector Shittu Olatunji, urged the court to ensure justice was served, irrespective of the defendants’ age, noting that they showed no remorse.
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In his ruling, Owoeye convicted and sentenced Ojo and Sunday to two years’ imprisonment.
The court discharged and acquitted Thomas, while the 13-year-old Monday was ordered to undertake three months’ community service on seven counts, to run concurrently.
The magistrate decried the spate of theft on farmlands, describing farming as a major source of livelihood for many Nigerians and stressing that farmers should be allowed to enjoy the fruits of their labour without interference.
Speaking with journalists after the judgment, the prosecutor expressed satisfaction with the verdict, commending the court for upholding the rule of law.
