An Ondo State farmer, Temitope Odunleye, has been remanded at the Olokuta Correctional Facility in Akure for allegedly killing his colleague, Confidence David, during a dispute over farmland boundaries.
Odunleye was arraigned before a Chief Magistrate Court in Akure on a murder charge after reportedly attacking the victim with a cutlass at Mariwo Farm, Ifedore Local Government Area, on August 11.
According to sources, operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, responded to a distress call from Chief Toye Ojo, the Asamo of Iron Town, after the incident was reported by members of the community.
The suspect was arrested and later confessed to the crime during preliminary investigation.
The source added that tension flared in the community the following morning as relatives of the deceased attempted to avenge his death but were restrained by security operatives who restored order.
During proceedings, State Prosecutor Dr. O.F. Akeredolu told the court that Odunleye attacked David during an argument over farm boundaries, leading to his death.
The formal charge stated that the act contravened Section 316 and is punishable under Section 319 of the Criminal Code Law of Ondo State, 2006.
Given the gravity of the offence, the court did not take the defendant’s plea. Akeredolu, in an application dated August 13, sought the remand of the suspect pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecution.
Chief Magistrate Damilola Sekoni granted the request and adjourned the matter until September 15 for a ruling, ordering that the defendant remain in custody at the Olokuta facility.