Two Men Arraigned in Ondo Court for Allegedly Setting Palm Plantation Ablaze and Damaging Cassava Worth ₦2.4 Million
In a shocking incident that highlights the increasing tension over land ownership and agricultural investments in Nigeria, two men have been brought before the Okitipupa Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State. The accused, identified as Sunday Omopelumi, a 45-year-old farmer, and Iseoluwa Adegbehindo, a 30-year-old aluminium fabricator, were arraigned on Friday, May 23, 2025, for allegedly committing serious agricultural crimes.
According to police reports, the men were charged with felony, arson, and malicious damage following a violent altercation that escalated into a deliberate act of destruction on a private farmland in Ode-Aye, within the Okitipupa Magisterial District.
The Incident: A Fire That Cost Millions
The details of the case, as presented in court by the Police Prosecutor, ASP Zedekiah Orogbemi, paint a disturbing picture of wilful destruction. Orogbemi informed the court that the alleged criminal act occurred on April 13, 2025, around 3 p.m., at a location identified as Ladan Farm in Ode-Aye. The farm, according to official documents, is owned by Pius Apalara, a local farmer known for his investment in palm oil and cassava cultivation.
The prosecutor stated:
“The defendants trespassed onto farmland belonging to one Pius Apalara, after an argument and set fire on his palm fruits plantation worth N1.4 million.”
In addition to the fire, the prosecutor alleged that the accused did not stop there. He further revealed:
“They also maliciously damaged some young cassava stems worth N800,000.”
This brings the total estimated loss to N2.4 million, a significant financial blow for any local farmer in Nigeria, particularly in the current economic climate where farming inputs and land management costs are skyrocketing.
Legal Charges: Understanding the Offences
The defendants are facing multiple charges under the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Volume 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006. These include:
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Section 516 – Conspiracy to commit a felony: This deals with the unlawful agreement between two or more persons to engage in a criminal act.
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Section 445(a) – Arson: The unlawful act of deliberately setting fire to property, especially one that can endanger lives or livelihood.
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Section 451 – Malicious damage to property: Refers to intentionally destroying or damaging another person’s property without lawful justification.
These are serious offences under Nigerian law, with potentially lengthy prison sentences if the accused are found guilty.
Defendants Plead Not Guilty
During the court session, both Sunday Omopelumi and Iseoluwa Adegbehindo entered not guilty pleas to all charges. Their defence lawyers argued that their clients had no intention to commit arson or cause damage and requested the court to grant them bail pending further hearings.
In response, Chief Magistrate Mr Olanrewaju Àdelegan agreed to release the defendants on bail, under specific conditions. The magistrate ruled:
“The defendants are to be granted bail in the sum of ₦200,000 each, with one surety in like sum.”
The court also stipulated that the sureties must reside within the jurisdiction of the court and provide evidence of tax payment to the Ondo State Government for the past two years. This condition helps ensure that the defendants and their guarantors are traceable and have a stable presence within the community.
Next Steps: Adjournment and Further Hearing
The case has been adjourned until June 3, 2025, for further hearing. On that day, both the prosecution and defence are expected to present more evidence and possibly call witnesses to either substantiate the charges or defend against them.
This delay gives the legal teams ample time to gather documentation, including farm ownership records, eyewitness accounts, and expert testimonies on the extent of the damage caused.
Agricultural Crime in Nigeria: A Growing Concern
This incident is not an isolated one. In recent years, agricultural crimes—including land disputes, crop destruction, and farm invasions—have become increasingly common in many parts of Nigeria. As small-scale and large-scale farmers alike invest heavily in land cultivation, disputes over ownership and boundaries often escalate into violent confrontations.
For instance, the destruction of cassava stems and palm fruits—two of Nigeria’s most valuable crops—not only leads to personal financial loss but also undermines food security and local economies.
Palm oil, derived from palm fruits, is a staple in Nigerian cooking and industrial production, while cassava is used to produce garri, fufu, and other food products consumed daily across the country. The deliberate destruction of these crops, therefore, affects more than just the farmer—it threatens the entire agricultural value chain.
Community Reaction: Farmers Cry Out for Justice
Following the court proceedings, some local farmers in the Ode-Aye area expressed deep concern over what they described as a "dangerous trend." One local farmer who wished to remain anonymous said:
“We work too hard on our farms for someone to just come and destroy everything out of anger or jealousy. The government must do more to protect us.”
Others have called on the Ondo State Government to implement stricter laws and provide more support for community-based conflict resolution systems that can prevent such violent outbreaks before they reach the courtroom.
Why This Case Matters
This case serves as a crucial reminder of the fragility of land ownership rights and the need for legal protection for farmers in Nigeria. As agriculture continues to be a major part of the country’s GDP and a key source of employment, protecting farmers and their investments must be a national priority.
Key stakeholders—including law enforcement, local governments, and community leaders—need to work together to create a system that discourages illegal land encroachments, arson, and property damage. Doing so would not only protect economic interests but also promote peace and order in rural communities.
Conclusion
The arraignment of Sunday Omopelumi and Iseoluwa Adegbehindo in Okitipupa Chief Magistrates' Court for allegedly committing arson and malicious damage on farmland in Ondo State is a serious matter with far-reaching implications. With ₦2.4 million in damages, the case reflects the urgent need to address rising tension over land and farming rights in Nigeria.
While the defendants have pleaded not guilty and the case is still pending further hearing, the incident has already sparked broader conversations about justice, agricultural security, and the role of the legal system in safeguarding rural livelihoods.
As the case progresses, NaijaRush.com will continue to follow developments and provide updates on this unfolding story, including the outcome of the June 3 hearing.
Stay tuned.
