An Akure Magistrate’s Court in Ondo State has convicted and sentenced a 22-year-old man, Godwin Lion, to prison for stealing cocoa beans valued at N5m.
The convict was arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing before Magistrate Oladayo Omotosho.
Prosecuting counsel, Inspector Suleiman Abdulateef, told the court that the offence was committed on April 30, 2026, at about 11:55am within the Akure Magisterial District.
According to the prosecutor, Lion and other accomplices still at large allegedly conspired to trespass into a farmland belonging to one Abel Emaikwo, where they stole fresh cocoa beans worth N5m.
Abdulateef said the offences contravened Sections 516, 383 and 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Volume 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.
During the proceedings, the defendant pleaded guilty to the charges and also admitted involvement in the crime through a confessional statement presented before the court.
The prosecution equally tendered a black bag containing the stolen cocoa beans as exhibit.
After reviewing the evidence and the plea of guilt, Magistrate Omotosho convicted the defendant on both counts.
Counsel for the defendant, Gideon Nelson Obabor, pleaded with the court to show leniency, arguing that the convict did not waste judicial time and had expressed remorse over his actions.
Delivering judgment, the magistrate sentenced Lion to one year imprisonment on the conspiracy charge with an option of N100,000 fine.
He was also sentenced to two years imprisonment on the stealing charge with an option of N150,000 fine.
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