Three herdsmen plead not guilty after an alleged claim for docking for destroying farmlands in Oyo
The police in Oyo have arraigned three herders at a Chief Magistrates’ Court in Iseyin for invading and destroying several farms with their livestock wilfully.
Musa Dale, 46, Abubakar Musa, 40, and Adamu Maza, 35, are facing charges of conspiracy to commit a felony and malicious damage.
The prosecutor, ASP Shuaibu Shedrack, told the court that the accused persons committed the offense at Aje Oluwa village, Oke-Amu area of the state.
He said that the three accused conspired together to commit a felony, to wit malicious damage.
“They entered into several farms in the village with their livestock and destroyed the means of livelihood of the people. Crops, produce, harvest, among others, were totally or partially destroyed,” he said.
According to him, the alleged offenses are contrary to and punishable under Sections 516 and 451 of the Criminal Code Cap 38, Vol.11, Law of Oyo State, 2000.
Responding, all the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.
They pleaded with the court to step down the matter to allow their legal representative to appear for them.
In his ruling, Magistrate Maroof Mudashiru adjourned the matter until August 18 for a hearing.
He, thereafter, urged the accused to tidy up with their legal representation before the next adjourned date.
(NAN)