Fowl Play in Ibadan: Poultry Workers Arraigned for Stealing 628 Chickens Worth N4.3 Million

 

In a shocking and somewhat unusual case that has captured the attention of the Ibadan community and beyond, ten individuals were arraigned on Monday, May 18, 2025, at the Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, over the alleged theft of 628 chickens valued at an astonishing N4.3 million.

The two primary suspects, Ibrahim Yalmi, aged 23, and Samuel David, aged 24, were employed as farm attendants at V Tees Farm, located in the Badeku area of Ibadan. These two young men now face serious charges, accused of betraying the trust placed in them by their employer by stealing hundreds of chickens over a period that spanned nearly a year—from June 2024 to May 2025.

According to the Prosecution Counsel, Inspector Adeshina Folaranmi, the alleged theft was not an isolated incident. Rather, it was part of a larger, organized scheme that involved not only the stealing of livestock but also the illegal sale of the chickens at far below market prices. The prosecution alleges that the stolen chickens were distributed to a network of buyers who were fully aware that the livestock was illegally obtained.

Eight Alleged Accomplices in Farm Theft

The court also docked eight other suspects who were allegedly involved in this poultry theft operation. These include:

• Kurewen Amadi, 29

• Paul Gagiso, 35

• Afose Assogbari, 30

• Monica John, 28

• Cecilia Philip, 30

• Tusen Jebete, 50

• Hannah Dele, 25

• John Agosu, 28

These individuals are believed to have been the buyers of the stolen chickens. According to Inspector Folaranmi, they knowingly purchased the birds from the two farm attendants at suspiciously low prices, raising the suspicion that they were fully aware the livestock was stolen.

The charges brought against all ten defendants include conspiracy, theft, and receiving stolen property, specifically livestock, which falls under more serious scrutiny due to the economic implications for agricultural businesses in the region.

Legal Implications and Sections of the Law Cited

Inspector Folaranmi told the court that the offences committed were in violation of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000, specifically sections:

• Section 516, which deals with conspiracy to commit felony

• Section 390(9), which addresses theft of property

• Section 427, which concerns receiving stolen property knowingly

These are not minor offences, as they carry significant legal consequences under Nigerian law, especially given the scale and monetary value of the theft.

Defendants Plead Not Guilty

Despite the weight of the allegations and the evidence expected to be presented during trial, all ten defendants pleaded "Not Guilty" when the charges were read out to them in court. Their legal representatives are expected to mount a defense in the coming weeks, and the Nigerian public will be watching closely to see how this case unfolds.

The court proceedings are scheduled to continue on June 4, 2025, as the case has been adjourned for a hearing. During this session, more evidence is expected to be presented, and both prosecution and defense will begin laying the groundwork for their respective arguments.

Bail Conditions and Court Ruling

In her ruling, Magistrate Oluwabusayo Osho granted bail to each of the ten accused individuals, but not without imposing strict conditions. According to the magistrate:

“Each defendant is to be granted bail in the sum of N2 million, with two sureties each in like sum. One of the sureties must have N2 million domiciled in a bank account, while the other must be a relation bearing the same surname as the defendant.”

This decision ensures that only those with verifiable social and financial connections will stand surety for the accused, thereby reducing the likelihood of the defendants fleeing or absconding from justice.

The Impact on Local Farming and Agriculture

The case has sparked serious concern in Ibadan and across the Nigerian agricultural sector. V Tees Farm, located in the rural and agriculturally active Badeku area, is one of the many poultry farms contributing to Nigeria’s growing poultry industry. The alleged theft of over 600 chickens worth millions of naira not only represents a major loss for the business but also sends a dangerous signal about the level of internal sabotage farms may face from employees.

Farm theft, especially by insiders like farmhands and attendants, is a growing challenge in the Nigerian agricultural space. As farms expand and owners entrust operations to employees, the need for better security, surveillance, and employee vetting becomes paramount.

This case also raises broader questions about the informal livestock market, where animals are often bought and sold without receipts or proper documentation. The buyers in this case were reportedly well aware of the illegal nature of their transactions, pointing to a systemic issue of complicity in agricultural crimes.

Why This Case Matters: Justice and Deterrence

The N4.3 million chicken theft case in Ibadan stands as a litmus test for Nigeria’s criminal justice system in addressing agricultural theft. If the allegations are proven true and convictions follow, it could set an important legal precedent that sends a strong message to would-be thieves and illegal buyers: that farm theft is a serious criminal offence with real consequences.

The poultry industry in Nigeria is estimated to be worth billions of naira, employing thousands across the country. The loss of livestock on this scale can cripple farms, especially small to medium-sized enterprises that cannot absorb such financial shocks. The outcome of this case will no doubt be closely followed by stakeholders in agriculture, law enforcement, and the justice system.

Public Reaction and Media Attention

Social media and local news outlets have been buzzing since the suspects appeared in court. Many Nigerians expressed outrage that such a large-scale theft could occur over such a long time without being detected sooner. Others highlighted the need for stronger farm management systems, including digital inventory tracking and background checks for employees.

Some citizens, however, also raised concerns about the high bail conditions, noting that N2 million may be out of reach for many of the accused, especially if they truly lacked financial resources.

Conclusion: Eyes on June 4

As we await the next hearing on June 4, 2025, all eyes will remain on the Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan. The story of the 628 stolen chickens worth N4.3 million is no longer just a local tale—it has become a national talking point, raising awareness about the vulnerabilities in Nigeria's agriculture sector and the legal frameworks protecting it.

Whether the accused are ultimately found guilty or acquitted, this case highlights a real and pressing issue within Nigeria’s rural economy—the need to secure our farms and safeguard the livelihoods of honest agricultural entrepreneurs.

Stay with NaijaRush for the latest updates on this and other important legal stories from across Nigeria.