Ondo court jails man over N5m cocoa theft after guilt plea

By Boye Oyeyemi

A Magistrate’s Court sitting in Akure, Ondo State, has convicted a 22-year-old man, Godwin Lion, for stealing cocoa beans valued at N5 million.

The convict was arraigned before the court on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing.

The prosecutor, Inspector Suleiman Abdulateef, told the court that the offence was committed on April 30, 2026, within the Akure Magisterial District.

He alleged that the defendant conspired with others, still at large, to trespass into the farmland of one Abel Emaikwo and cart away fresh cocoa beans worth N5 million.

According to the prosecution, the offences contravened Sections 516, 383 and 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

The defendant pleaded guilty to the charges and also admitted involvement in a confessional statement tendered before the court, while a black bag containing the stolen cocoa beans was presented as exhibit.

Defence counsel, Gideon Nelson Obabor, pleaded with the court to show leniency, arguing that the defendant was remorseful and did not waste the court’s time during proceedings.

In his judgment, Magistrate Oladayo Omotosho convicted the defendant and sentenced him to one year imprisonment with an option of N100,000 fine on the first count and two years imprisonment with an option of N150,000 fine on the second count.