A Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Osogbo presided over by Magistrate A. O. Odeleye has remanded three suspects, including a mother and her two sons in Ilesa Correctional Centre over the theft of cocoa beans worth ₦4.5 million.
Odeleye handed down the verdict on Wednesday, 18 December, 2024, following their arraignment on charges of conspiracy and theft.
The suspects, identified as Ayanda Olubunmi, aged 45 years, and her sons Joshua Iyanda, aged 24 years and Prosper Iyanda, aged 21 years, were accused of stealing the cocoa from the residence of one Akeem Obidiran in Temidire Village, Oriade local government area of Osun State.
According to the prosecution, the stolen cocoa beans, valued at ₦4.5 million, were recovered by the Osun Amotekun Corps after the suspects attempted to sell them.
“The defendants unlawfully removed cocoa beans from the complainant’s residence, thereby committing felony theft,” the prosecutor stated.
The suspects were arraigned on two counts bordering on conspiracy and theft which are contrary to Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Vol. II, Laws of Osun State, 2002.
The suspects who reportedly confessed to the crime during their interrogation and in court also confessed that it was their first offence, just as they also pleaded for leniency, stating that desperation had driven them to commit the crime.
Speaking on the case, Magistrate Odeleye of the Magistrate Court 3 Osogbo said, “Theft of this magnitude is a serious offence that affects livelihoods and the economy. The court must ensure justice is served to deter others.”
Magistrate Odeleye, who ruled that the trio be remanded until the next hearing scheduled for January 29, 2025, further explained that the remand order was necessary to allow the prosecution ample time to prepare its case.
“Justice must be thorough and impartial,” he added.
The Amotekun Corps had initiated the case after Obidiran filed a formal complaint about the missing cocoa.
Amotekun’s swift action led to the suspects’ apprehension while transporting the stolen goods.
