Court remands Ondo farmer for setting his brother?s N20m farm ablaze

A 56-year old Ondo farmer, Oyinlola Jacob, has been remanded at the Olokuta Correctional Centre for allegedly setting fire to his brother’s farm, valued at N20 million. 

Jacob, whose residential address was not disclosed, was arraigned by the Ondo State Police Command at an Akure Magistrates’ Court on a charge of arson. 

The police prosecutor, Taiwo Oniyere, informed the court that the defendant committed the offence on January 29, 2025, at Odebei Farm, Ipogun, in Ondo State. 

Oniyere alleged that the defendant unlawfully entered the farmland belonging to his brother, Ilemobayo Jacob, which comprised cocoa, palm trees, plantain, and kolanut plantations, and willfully set it ablaze. 

The prosecutor stated that the offence contravenes Sections 516 and 443 of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006. 

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge leveled against him. 

The prosecutor further told the court that two witnesses were already available and that the prosecution intended to call one more witness, seeking time to review the case file and prepare for trial. 

Defence counsel, O.A. Adanlawo, did not oppose the prosecution’s request but pleaded with the court to grant the defendant bail on lenient terms. 

He assured the court that his client would not jump bail and would provide credible sureties. 

In his ruling, Magistrate Olusola Olujobi granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N10 million with two sureties in like sum.

The court directed that the sureties must reside within its jurisdiction, provide an affidavit of means, and submit two passport-sized photographs.

However, Jacob was unable to meet the bail conditions and was subsequently remanded at the Olokuta Correctional Centre. 

The case was adjourned till July 29, 2025, for further hearing.