A 40-year-old farmer, Monday Adegoke on Wednesday appeared before an Okitipupa Chief Magistrates’ Court, over alleged malicious damage of economic trees worth N12 million.

The defendant, whose house address was not given, is facing a three-count charge bordering on felony, forceful entering and malicious damage.

The Police Prosecutor, Inspector Ayodeji Omoyeigha, told the court that the defendant his accomplices now at large on Feb. 28 at about 2.00 p.m at Igbonran Camp, Okumo in Okitipupa, Okitipupa Magisterial District conspired to commit felony.

He alleged that the defendant and his fleeing accomplices forcefully entered a farmland belonging to one Orunto Edamisan and maliciously damaged young palm trees valued at N5 million and rubber trees worth N7 million, totalling N12 million.

The prosecutor added that the defendant committed offences which contravened and punishable under Sections 517, 81 and 451, Criminal Code, Cap.37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

 The Chief Magistrate, Mayowa Olanipekun, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 and two sureties in like sum.

He added that the sureties, who must reside within the court’s jurisdiction, must also show and present evidence of two years tax payment made to the state government.

The magistrate adjourned the case until August 15, for further hearing.

(NAN)