The police on Thursday, dragged four men before an Okitipupa Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ondo state, over alleged malicious destruction of trees valued N3.,7 million.

The defendants are Emmanuel Akinboyo, 65; Gbadebo Inyemikan, 55; Omolemi Akinsulere, 51; and Adewale Sheba, 50.

They are standing trial on a three-count charge bordering on breach of peace, forceful entry and malicious damage.

They each, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecutor, ASP Zedekiah Orogbemi, told the court that the defendants committed the offence on October 20, 2025, at about 11.30 a.m at Ago Aduwo, Ilutitun Magisterial District.

He alleged that they conspired to cause a breach of peace, by forcefully entering into a farmland in possession of one Kayode Ayedegbon, to commit felony.

The prosecutor alleged that following a disagreement with the owner of the farmland, the defendants destroyed young palm trees, plantain, coconut and cedar trees valued N3.7 millon.

The prosecutor said that the offences contravene the provisions of section 81, 457, and 517 of the Criminal Law of Ondo State, 2006.

The Chief Magistrate, Olarenwaju Adelagan, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N200,000 each, with one surety each in like sum.

The court held that the sureties must be resident within the court’s jurisdiction and must present evidence of two years tax payment to the state government.

He, adjourned the case until February 26, for hearing. (NAN)