Ondo court arraigns two over alleged N320m shop fire
By Boye Oyeyemi
Two men have been arraigned before an Akure Magistrate’s Court in Ondo State for allegedly causing a fire that destroyed a provisions shop and goods valued at N320 million in Ore.
The defendants, Moses Anuopeme, 54, and Benjamin Sunday, 21, were charged with two counts bordering on conspiracy to commit a felony and reckless and negligent conduct.
Police prosecutor, Inspector Taiwo Oniyere, told the court that the defendants allegedly conspired to commit the offences at Rosco Junction, Showboy Express Road, Ore.
Oniyere alleged that the defendants acted recklessly and negligently, resulting in a fire that destroyed the provisions shop belonging to Mrs. Igwe Concilia and goods valued at N320 million.
The prosecutor said the alleged offences contravened Sections 344 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Volume 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, following which Oniyere urged the court to adjourn the case to allow the prosecution to prepare its case.
However, counsel for the defendants, Chimeze Obiaghanwa, urged the court to uphold their rights, stressing that they remained innocent until proven guilty. He also applied for their bail on liberal terms.
Magistrate Taiwo O. Lebi granted each defendant bail of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case until October 15, 2026, for further proceedings.
