24-year-old man arraigned over alleged yam theft in Ondo
By Boye Oyeyemi
A 24-year-old man, Sunday Ayoko, has been arraigned before an Akungba-Akoko Magistrate’s Court for allegedly stealing 47 tubers of yam a few days before the annual yam festival in Oka-Akoko, Ondo State.
Ayoko was docked on a two-count charge bordering on theft and malicious damage.
The prosecutor, Inspector Olasunkanmi Boboye, told the court that the defendant allegedly committed the offences on July 6, 2026, at about 12 midnight at Eluju Ibaka Farm in Oka-Akoko.
Boboye alleged that Ayoko stole 47 tubers of yam valued at N120,000, belonging to one Omoyeni Kehinde.
The prosecutor further told the court that the defendant also allegedly destroyed yam crops belonging to the complainant during the incident.
According to the prosecution, the alleged offences are contrary to Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol. I, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges, prompting the court to fix a date for trial.
In his ruling, Magistrate K.A. Kolawole granted the defendant bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case until August 5, 2026, for further hearing.
