The police on Monday arraigned four men before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly damaging 15 acres of soya bean plantations with economic trees valued at N8.5 million.

The defendants, Oladapo Olabode, 39; Ogundare Gabriel, 35; Adio Michael, 38; and Alao Adesina, 45, of the Ogbomoso area, are facing a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, damage, and stealing.

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.

Thereafter, the magistrate, S. I. Babalola, granted the defendants N400,000 bail each with two sureties in like sum.

Ms Babalola, thereafter, adjourned the matter till May 15 for a hearing.

Earlier, the prosecution counsel, Insp Olusegun Adegboye, told the court that the defendants and others at large allegedly conspired to commit the offences.

Mr Adegboye said the defendants, on November 16, 2023, at about 7:00 p.m., unlawfully damaged a 15-acre soya bean plantation valued at N3.5 million at Bolorunduro village, Alaropo, Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

He added that some economic trees valued at N5 million and the property of one Aaron Olaniyi were also damaged.

Mr Adegboye said the offences were contrary to section 383 and punishable under Section 390 (9) 451 and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State 2000. 

(NAN)