A 45-year-old bricklayer, Akinbami Ayeyemikan, on Wednesday told an Okitipupa Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State that it was hunger that made him to steal from a farm.
The accused of no fixed address is standing trial on one-count charge of stealing three bunches of plantain valued at N4, 500 and a log of wood valued at N10, 000.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge, saying that hunger made him to commit the act.

Police Prosecutor, Insp. Zedekiah Orogbemi, told the court that the accused committed the offence on June 15 around 8:30 am at Okerugbo, Ode-Erinje in Okitipupa.

Orogbemi said that the accused entered a farm belonging to one Eyinaro Owoloye where he stole the goods estimated at N14, 500.

The prosecutor said that the offence was contrary and punishable under Section 390(9), Criminal Code, Cap.37, Vol.1, Laws of Ondo State 2006.

The Magistrate, Mr Banji Ayeomoni, granted the accused bail in the sum of N20, 000 and a surety in like sum with evidence of a year tax clearance.

Ayeomoni adjourned the case to Aug. 4 for further hearing.

(NAN)