80-Year-Old Ondo Prince in Court Over Alleged Property Destruction, Breach of Peace
An 80-year-old prince, Prince Adefusi Adebisi, hailing from Bolorunduro in Ondo East, Ondo State, found himself in the dock as he faced serious charges of property damage and breach of peace. The charges stem from an alleged land dispute that erupted on November 25, 2024, at Omilosu near Bolorunduro.
According to the police, Adebisi, along with others still at large, trespassed onto land owned by Reverend David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi, unlawfully destroying economic trees worth a staggering ₦247 million. These trees, including plantain, cocoa, kolanut, and palm, were reportedly felled as part of the dispute.
Adebisi was arraigned before the Magistrates’ Court on three counts: conspiracy to forcibly enter the land, malicious property damage, and trespassing. The police prosecutor, H. A. Olagbaju, warned that Adebisi’s actions were likely to incite violence and disrupt public peace.
Despite the grave accusations, Adebisi pleaded not guilty to all charges. His defense counsel, Mr. E. O. Edo, requested bail, emphasizing his client’s presumption of innocence and willingness to attend future hearings.
The Senior Magistrate, Mrs. Mike Akinbola, granted bail in the sum of ₦10 million, with two sureties also required to meet stringent conditions, including proof of tax clearance and National Identification Numbers.
The case has been adjourned to March 5, 2025, with the court directing the prosecutor to present all relevant evidence before the next hearing.
