The Ekiti State Police Command has brought two men, Wasiu Sadiq (26) and Joseph Ode (22), before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ado Ekiti District over accusations of malicious damage to economic trees.
Police Prosecutor Inspector Akinwale Oriyomi informed the court on Tuesday that the defendants allegedly conspired to commit felony by destroying a government-owned farm plantation.
“The two defendants at about 8 a.m. on August 5, 2025, in Emure Ekiti within the Emure Ekiti Magistrate District did conspire together to commit felony to wit malicious damage,” Oriyomi stated.
He further alleged that the accused “on the same date, time and place, did maliciously damage a farm plantation valued at N2m, property of the Ekiti State Government. They also did steal economic trees valued at N2m, property of the Ekiti State Government.” The prosecutor noted that the offences contravene Sections 421, 354(1)(8), and 302(1)(a) of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State 2021.
Defense counsel Gbenga Bejide urged the court to grant bail to his clients, describing them as labourers hired by a licensed tree agent to fell trees. Bejide assured the court that the defendants would not abscond if released on bail.
Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun granted the defendants bail at N250,000 each with one surety in the same amount. The magistrate also ordered that the licence of their employer must be presented to the court.
The case has been adjourned until September 16 for further hearing.
