Judiciary
A 42-year-old wood seller, Victoria Egbe, who allegedly entered into a farm and cut down cola nut trees valued at N500, 000 without the owner’s consent, on Wednesday appeared before an Agbowa-Ikosi Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.
The police arraigned Egbe on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy and malicious damage.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Prosecutor, Sgt. Yomi Egunjobi, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on April 18 at the Agunfoye area of Imota, Ikorodu, Lagos.
He said that the wood seller illegally entered into the colanut farm of Mr Ayodele Olukayode and deliberately destroyed the cola nut trees.
“Egbe entered into the farm with her tractor and fell cola nut trees valued at N500, 000 without Olukayode’s consent.
“The complainant had been on the watch for who comes into his farm to cut trees.
“Olukayode was informed about the development and he rushed down to his farm to catch Egbe on his farm,” Egunjobi said.
He said that the offences contravened Sections 348, 350 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Section 306 stipulates three years’ imprisonment for unlawful entry, while sections 348 and 411 provides for two years’ imprisonment for willful damage and conspiracy, respectively.
The Magistrate, Mr A. O. Ogbe, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
He adjourned the case until Aug. 1 for mention. (NAN)
JULY 17, 2019 12:57 GMT
Tags: Wood seller charged with illegal cutting of cola nut trees
