Two men, Sheun Moses, 30, and Segun Shodimu,18, on Wednesday, appeared before an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court sitting in Isabo, for allegedly stealing cocoa pods valued N500,000.

The defendants, whose addresses were not provided, were arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing and malicious damage.

The Prosecutor, Inspector Evelyn Motim, told the court that the defendants committed the offence on March 5, at about 3:00 p.m. at Orile Egan Village, via Owode-Egba, in Abeokuta.

Motim alleged that the defendants conspired with others, now at large, to steal cocoa pods valued at N500, 000, belonging to Saheed Jolaosho.

She further alleged that the defendants also maliciously damaged a native cloth valued at N20, 000, property of one Shina Shodimu.

He said that the defendant, Moses, leased his farmland to the complainant, Jolaosho, which he used to plant cocoa pods.

“The complainant noticed that his cocoa pods were always missing. He reported this to the community leader, who put surveillance on the farmland.

“Moses was caught by Shina Shodimu on the complainant’s farm, carrying a big bag full of cocoa pods and failed to give a satisfactory account of the cocoa pods, which led to his arrest,” the prosecutor alleged.

She said that the offences contravened Sections 516, 390(9), and 451 of the Criminal Code, Vol. 1, Laws of Ogun State of Nigeria, 2006.

However, the first defendant Moses pleaded guilty to the offences, while the second defendant Shodimu pleaded not guilty to the charges levelled against him.

The Magistrate, O.O. Sam-Obaleye, granted the second defendant bail in the sum of N500, 000 with one surety in like sum.

She, thereafter, adjourned the case until April 24, for further hearing.

(NAN)