Three Fulani herdsmen have been dragged to a magistrates’ court sitting in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti state capital on Tuesday, January 21 for alleged unlawful destruction of a rice farm worth N4.5 million.
The Nation reports that the accused persons are Nafiu Mohammed (20), Mohammed Audu (20) and Bumba Karba (17).
According to the report, they were arraigned by the police on a count charge of malicious damage before Chief Magistrate, Mr Adesoji Adegboye. Prosecuting Inspector Johnson Okunade said the defendants committed the offence on Tuesday, January 7, at a farm settlement in Okemesi Ekiti, Ekiti West local government area.
The activities of herdsmen in Ekiti has been causing ripples in the state in recent times.
He said total damage caused by the accused person to the farm belonging to the complainant, Mr Olusola Sanni was N4.5 million He noted that the offences contravened section 451 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012.
However, the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against them.
Their counsel, Mr Busuyi Ayorinde, urged the court to grant the defendants bail, promising it that they would not jump bail.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr Adesoji Adegboye, in his ruling granted the defendants bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties each in like sum. He adjourned the case until Monday, February 24 for hearing.
