ONDO MONARCH BAGS TWO YEARS JAIL TERM FOR DESTROYING PALM TREES

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Oba Adewale Sunday Boboye of the Ajagun Ode of Ode Community in the Akure North local government area was given a 10-year prison term for the illegal destruction of food crops and palm trees.

Oba Boboye was sentenced to prison by an Osi Magistrates’ Court after being found responsible for the six counts brought against him.

On September 20, 2022, the pastorate and laity of the Apostolic Church Nigeria along Ado Ekiti Road reportedly had their perimeter fence destroyed by the convict and other fugitives.

They were also charged with destroying church signs, food crops, and palm trees.

When the defendant was detained, the police prosecutor, Sergeant Ajiboye Babatunde, who called four witnesses, claimed that he was unable to provide a sufficient explanation to the authorities.

In order to discourage others from engaging in similar behavior, he pleaded with the court to punish him appropriately.

Through his attorney, Adeola Kayode, Oba Boboye refuted the accusations made against him but pleaded with the court to balance justice with mercy.

After determining that the defendant had committed the crimes, presiding magistrate Mrs. Bukola Ojo gave him a 10-year sentence.

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.