A Magistrate’s Court in Ila-Orangun, Osun State, has sentenced 29-year-old Olaniyan Taofik to two years imprisonment without the option of a fine for unlawful entry, theft, and malicious damage.
Taofik was arrested by operatives of the Osun Amotekun Corps following a report of theft on the private farm of Mr. Omidoyin Clement in Isale-Osun, Ila-Orangun, on July 16, 2025.
Prosecuted by Mr. Oyedele Akintayo (Esq.), Director of Legal Services for the Osun Amotekun Corps, on behalf of the state’s Attorney General, Taofik was accused of stealing farm tools, cocoa, bananas, walnuts, and live catfish—items valued at approximately ₦400,000. He also destroyed a CCTV camera worth ₦300,000 during the act.
The Amotekun Corps launched an investigation and apprehended the suspect as he attempted to sell the stolen goods. During interrogation, Taofik reportedly confessed and admitted to committing similar crimes in the past.
Presiding Magistrate A.A. Ayeni ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt, convicting Taofik under Sections 81, 390(9), and 451 of the Osun State Criminal Code, Cap 34, Vol. II, 2002.
In delivering judgment, Magistrate Ayeni emphasized that the sentence serves as a deterrent to repeat offenders and a measure to safeguard farmers’ livelihoods, especially in rural communities.
Following the verdict, the Osun Amotekun Corps reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and urged residents to report suspicious activity, particularly around farms and other vulnerable areas.
