Ondo monarch bags 10 years over palm trees destruction
An Osi Magistrate’s Court in Ondo State has sentenced the Ajagun Ode of Ode Community in Akure North Local Government Area, Oba Adewale Sunday Boboye, to 10 years imprisonment for unlawful destruction of palm trees and food crops.
Oba Boboye was jailed after he was found guilty of the six count charges preferred against him.
The culprit and others who yet to apprehended were said on September 20, 2022, to have demolished the perimeter fence of the Pastorate and laity of the Apostolic Church Nigeria, along Ado Ekiti Road.
They were also accused of destroying palm trees and food crops as well as signpost of the church.
The Police prosecutor, Sergeant Ajiboye Babatunde, who called four witnesses, said the convict, when arrested, could not give satisfactory account to the police.
He prayed the court to penalize him to serve as a deterrent to others who may want to carry out such action.
Meanwhile, Oba Boboye, through his counsel, Adeola Kayode, denied the allegations levelled against him but plead with the court to temper justice with mercy.
The Presiding Magistrate, Mrs Bukola Ojo sentenced the convict to 10 years after she found him guilty of the charges.
She convicted and sentenced the accused to two years imprisonment for a period of two years on count one or an option of N20,000 fine.
On count two and three, Oba Boboye was sentenced to two years each without an option of fine.
Oba Boboye was sentenced to two years imprisonment without an option of fine on count five and was bagged one year imprisonment on count six or a fine of N20,000.
On count six, the defendant is sentenced to an imprisonment for a period of one year with an option of fine of N20,000.
The court also awarded the sum of N5m as compensation to the complainant for the damage of the perimeter fence, palm trees and other crops.