Herder, 52, docked over alleged destruction of N10m maize farm

A 52-year-old herder, Abdulkareem Dio, on Monday appeared before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, for allegedly grazing cattle on a 48-acre maize farm valued at N10 million.

The defendant, whose address was unknown, is standing trial on a five-count charge of conspiracy, open herding, grazing on farmland, malicious damage and breach of peace.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, Insp Sikiru Opaleye, told the court that the defendant, along with others now at large, committed the offences on Dec. 16 at about 5.00 p.m. at Adetayo Farm Settlement, Ado Awaye, via Iseyin, Oyo State.

Opaleye said the defendant and others unlawfully engaged in open rearing and grazing of cattle on the farmland, destroying crops valued at N10 million and belonging to Adetayo Farms.

He alleged that the defendant unlawfully moved his cattle on foot from his personal ranch into the 48-acre maize farm and conducted himself in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace.

According to the prosecutor, the offences contravened Sections 16(1)(2)(a) and 17(1) of the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019.

He added that the offences also contravened Sections 249(d), 451 and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Olabisi Ogunkanmi, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N1 million, with two sureties in like sum.

Ogunkanmi ruled that one of the sureties must be a blood relative of the defendant, while the other must own a building with a valid plan.

She thereafter adjourned the matter until March 9, 2026, for hearing.