Osun Man Jailed Two Years for Farm Theft, Vandalism

A Magistrate Court in Ila-Orangun, Osun State, has sentenced 29-year-old Olaniyan Taofik to two years imprisonment without the option of a fine for unlawful entry, theft, and malicious damage to property.

The judgment was delivered by Magistrate A.A. Ayeni, who presided over the case at the Ila-Orangun court.

Olaniyan was arraigned following his arrest by personnel of the Osun Amotekun Corps. According to the charge sheet, Taofik unlawfully entered the farmland of Mr. Omidoyin Clement, a resident of Isale-Osun in Ila-Orangun, where he stole various agricultural items, including farm tools, cocoa, bananas, walnuts, and live catfish.

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“The stolen items were valued at approximately ₦400,000. The convict also vandalised a CCTV surveillance camera on the farm, causing damage estimated at ₦300,000,” the charge sheet stated. The incident occurred on 16 July 2025 and was reported to the Ila-Orangun Command of the Osun Amotekun Corps. Operatives swiftly launched an investigation and apprehended Taofik as he attempted to sell the stolen produce and equipment.

While delivering judgment, Magistrate Ayeni stated that the defendant was found guilty of offences contrary to and punishable under Sections 81, 390(9), and 451 of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Volume II, Laws of Osun State of Nigeria, 2002. The court emphasized the need to deter individuals from engaging in repeated criminal behavior that threatens citizens’ livelihoods.

In a statement, the Osun Amotekun Corps revealed that during interrogation by the Intelligence and Investigation unit, Taofik voluntarily confessed to committing the crime and admitted to having engaged in similar activities previously.

The statement added that the Director of Legal Services for the Osun Amotekun Corps, Barrister Oyedele Akintayo, prosecuted the case on behalf of the Attorney General of Osun State.

Yusuf Idowu Abass, spokesperson for the corps, said: “The Corps would continue to work closely with law-abiding citizens to ensure the safety and protection of lives and property in Osun State.”

Abass further noted that rural communities remain a focus for security patrols, as agricultural theft has been identified as a growing concern in the state.

Two nurses and a serving female soldier have been arrested in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State for allegedly stealing and selling a newborn baby.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama stated that the suspects were apprehended following a complaint by 19-year-old Justina Valentine Boniface from Aningeje village, who raised the alarm after discovering her baby had been taken.