By Ola Kay
Following the contravention of a restraining order, an Ondo State Chief Magistrates Court in Igbokoda, in Ilaje Local Government Area, has sentenced the Baale of Ebute Ipare Community, Francis Ogundeji, to three years jail term.
The State High Court had restrained people from selling the disputed land, but the traditional ruler, in collaboration with another individual identified as Mr. Thomas, defied court order and sold the land.
A copy of the judgement which dated 5 August was delivered by Senior Magistrate E. Manuwa was sighted by journalists on Thursday.
Mr. Ogundeji and Ikuejamoye Thomas were charged to court based on the contempt of court when the duo went ahead to dispose of in November 2022. Moreso, The convicts were also arrested and charged with falsehood as they were said to have backdated the date on the receipt of the sale of the land.
The convincts were charged on a four-count charge of contempt of court and falsehood.
The charge sheet which was read to the defendants in English Language and interpreted to them in Yoruba Language to the satisfaction of the court, stated thus:
“That you, Francis Ogundeji, ‘M’, a farmer (2) Ikuejamoye Thomas, ‘M,’ a pensioner and others at large, sometime in the month of November 2022 at about 12 p.m. at Ebute Ipare Community in the Igbokoda Magisterial District, did conspire together to commit an offence to wit contempt of court and thereby, committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 517 of the Criminal Code Cap 37 Vol. 1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006,” the charge sheet read.
“That you, Francis Ogundeji, ‘M’, a farmer (2) Ikuejamoye Thomas, ‘M’, a pensioner and others at large on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned Magisterial District, did disrespect the order of the court delivered on 10 April 2019 in Suit No: HOK/51/2018 by selling Ebute Ipare Ogunowo descendant land and thereby, committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 133 (9) of the Criminal Code Cap 37 Vol. 1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.
“That you, Francis Ogundeji, ‘M’, a farmer (2) Ikuejamoye Thomas, ‘M’, a pensioner and other at large on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned Magisterial District did disrespect the court order delivered on the 11 September 2018 in Suit No: MKD/3M/2018 which was presided by His Worship E.A Manuwa Magistrate Grade I as then was on the rank, over the tussle of land committee of Ebute Ipare Community and thereby, committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 133 (1 & 9) of the Criminal Code Cap 37 Vol. 1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.”
At the end of the proceeding, the magistrate found Messrs Ogundeji and Thomas guilty of the offence in count three and thereby sentenced them to three years imprisonment with the option of a fine of N150,000 each.
But the court discharged and acquitted Mr Thomas on counts one, two and four.
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