Cattle rearer docked for allegedly destroying crops

A cattle rearer, Usman Abubakar, was on Monday docked in an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan for allegedly destroying crops.

The police charged Abubakar, 20, with conspiracy, assault occasioning harm and malicious damage.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Prosecution Counsel, Insp Samuel Owolabi, said the defendant committed the offence on Sept.25, at about 11 a.m, at Ido, Oyo State.

Owolabi alleged that the defendant and others at large, maliciously damaged maize and pepper crops’ worth N300,000, belonging to Boniface Onyekwelu.

He said the defendant conducted himself in a manner likely to cause breach of peace by allowing his cattle to graze on Onyekwelu’s farm.

The police also said that the defendant assaulted Korede Asu, causing him to loose his upper teeth.

He said the offence contravened the provisions of Sections 516, 355 and 451 of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

The Magistrate, Mrs Gladys Olanrewaju, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties in like sum.

Olanrewaju, among other terms held that two of the sureties must be landed property owner.

She adjourned the case until Nov.16, for hearing.