Three men were arraigned before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan on Friday over alleged theft and destruction of a maize plantation valued at ₦25 million.
The defendants—Olaide Oyesola (40), Sataru Yunusa (45), and Odubayo Olufisayo—whose house addresses were not disclosed, were charged with a six-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing, malicious damage, unlawful entry, assault, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
The prosecuting counsel, Inspector Salewa Hammed, told the court that the defendants conspired to steal maize worth ₦5 million and maliciously damaged a plantation valued at ₦25 million.
He further alleged that the defendants unlawfully excavated sand from the farmland valued at ₦23 million, assaulted workers, and forcibly chased employees of Atolans Resources Limited from the land.
Hammed alleged that the defendants also unlawfully entered the property in possession of Atolans Resources Limited, which was represented in court by one Adelani Adesope.
He said the defendants committed the alleged offences between January and November 2024 at Victoria Garden City, Kilometre 8, Old Oyo Road, Ibadan.
Hammed said the offences contravened Section 383 and are punishable under Sections 81, 249(d), 390(9), 451, and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Magistrate Maaruf Mudashiru granted them bail in the sum of ₦5 million each, with one surety each in like sum.
The magistrate adjourned the case until August 7, 2025, for hearing.