A 64-year-old cleric, Apostle Adefiju Boluwaji, has been arraigned before an Akure Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly leading a group that destroyed farmlands valued at ₦247 million in Ondo State.
The accused, described as a self-acclaimed prophet, was charged with conspiracy, criminal trespass, malicious damage, and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace.
According to the police, Boluwaji had been on the wanted list of the Zone 17 Police Command before his arrest over the weekend.
He was initially detained at the Bolorunduro Divisional Headquarters before being transferred to the office of the Assistant Inspector General of Police in Akure.
The prosecution, led by Inspector Adebayo Sulaiman, told the court that Boluwaji and others at large unlawfully invaded farmlands located in Omilosu, via Bolorunduro, on November 25, 2024.
The farmlands, said to belong to Reverend David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi, reportedly contained plantain, cocoa, kolanut, and palm trees, which were allegedly destroyed.
The prosecution said the estimated value of the damaged property stood at ₦247 million.
The court was informed that the accused entered the land “in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace,” despite it being under the peaceful possession of Reverend Akinadewo-Adekahunsi.
The charges brought against the defendant include violations of Sections 516, 451, and 81 of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Volume 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.
Boluwaji pleaded not guilty to all charges.
His counsel, Mr. Oguntuwase, applied for bail, arguing that the alleged offences were bailable and that the defendant was ready to face trial.
However, the prosecution objected, noting that Boluwaji had evaded arrest for several months and should only be granted bail under strict conditions.
Presiding Magistrate, Damilola Sekoni, granted bail in the sum of ₦1 million with two sureties in like sum.
The sureties, the court ruled, must reside within the jurisdiction and provide affidavits of means.
The case was transferred to the Bolorunduro Magistrates’ Court, where proceedings are expected to continue on September 15.