A man identified as Apostle Adefiju Boluwaji has been arraigned before a Chief Magistrate Court in Akure, the Ondo State capital, over allegations of destroying farmland and property worth N247 million.
Boluwaji, a pastor, was apprehended by officers of the state police command on Saturday for the alleged offence which occurred in the Boluwaduro community, located in the Ondo East Local Government Area. He was later brought before the court on three counts related to breach of peace.
According to the charge sheet, “That you, Adefiju Boluwaji, and others at large on or about November 25, 2024, did conspire to commit a felony to wit: trespass into the possession of land situate at Omilosu via Bolorunduro within the jurisdiction of this honourable court; did conspire to commit a felony to wit: forcible entry, malicious damage to properties and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 516 of the Criminal code Cap 37 Vol. 1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.”
The second count added that, “That you, Adefiju Boluwaji, and others at large, on or about November 25, 2024, at Omilosu via Bolorunduro, Ondo, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did wilfully and unlawfully destroy plantain, cocoa, kolanut, and palm trees valued N247,000,000.00 belonging to Reverend David Akinadewo Adekahunsi and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 451 of the Criminal Code Cap 37 Vol. 1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.”
The final count alleged that, “That you, Adefiju Boluwaji and others at large on or about November 25, 2024, at Omilosu via Bolorunduro, Ondo, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did, in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace, or reasonable apprehension of a breach of the peace, enter on land which is in actual and peaceable possession of Reverend David Akinadewo Adekahunsi and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 81 of the Criminal code Cap. 37 Vol. 1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.”
Boluwaji pleaded not guilty to all charges.
His counsel, Oguntuwase, pleaded for bail, stating that the alleged offences were bailable and that the defendant was prepared to face trial. The prosecution opposed the application, noting that Boluwaji had allegedly evaded arrest for months and should only be considered for bail under strict conditions.
In his ruling, Magistrate Damilola Sekoni granted bail in the sum of N1 million, with two sureties in like sum. The court specified that the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and must swear an affidavit of means.
The matter was subsequently transferred to the Bolorunduro Magistrate Court, where proceedings are scheduled to resume on September 15, 2025.
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