Two farmers namely Sunday Molami, 38, and Abimbola Ikukoyi, 32, have appeared before an Okitipupa Chief Magistrate Court in Ondo State for allegedly stealing 40 bunches of palm fruits worth N70,000.
The defendants, whose addresses were not given, are facing a two-count charge of felony and stealing.
The Police prosecutor, ASP Zedekiah Orogbemi, told the court that the defendants committed the offence on August 20, 2023, around 8.00am at a palm fruits estate in Ode Aye in Okitipupa magisterial district.
Orogbemi said the defendants stole the fruits belonging to one Kehinde Sodajo, adding that the offence is punishable under the Criminal Code Laws of Ondo State, 2006.
The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr. Cletus Ojuola, granted the defendants bail for N100,000 each and a surety each in like sum.
He added that the sureties, who must be resident within the court jurisdiction, must also show and present evidence of two years tax payment made to the state government.
He adjourned the case to March 15 for further hearing.
