By Ado Oyeyemi
Six men have been arraigned before an Akure Magistrate’s Court in Ondo State over the alleged theft of cocoa beans valued at N200 million.
The defendants — Florunsho Michael Itapere, 44; Kehinde Ola Omotayo, 33; Kole Moses, 33; Femi Babatunde, 37; Adebiyi Abiodun Michael, 47; and Adewoye Akingbola, 59 — were docked on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing and receiving stolen property.
The prosecutor, Nelson Akintimehin, told the court that the defendants and other suspects still at large allegedly conspired between April 2025 and April 2026 at Agro Traders Limited, Alagbaka, Akure, to commit the offences.
According to the prosecution, Itapere, Omotayo, Moses and Babatunde allegedly stole about five tonnes of cocoa beans, estimated at 500 bags and valued at N200 million, belonging to one Korede Bolawaji.
Akintimehin further alleged that Michael, Akingbola and other suspects at large knowingly received the stolen produce.
The offences, the prosecutor said, contravene relevant provisions of the laws of Ondo State.
The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Akintimehin informed the court of the prosecution’s readiness to call four witnesses during the trial and requested an adjournment to enable proper preparation of the case.
Counsel for the defendants, H.O. Orishameyinti, urged the court to grant his clients bail on liberal terms, arguing that they would make themselves available for trial.
In his ruling, Magistrate Adedapo Sunday granted each of the defendants bail in the sum of N1.5 million with two sureties in like sum.
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The magistrate also directed that the sureties must provide verifiable means of identification.
The case was adjourned until July 1, 2026, for definite hearing.
