Osun court remands mother and sons for N4.5m cocoa theft

A mother and her two sons have been remanded in Ilesa Correctional Centre for allegedly stealing cocoa beans valued at N4.5 million. 

The Chief Magistrate Court in Osogbo issued the remand order on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, following their arraignment on charges of conspiracy and theft.

The accused, Ayanda Olubunmi, 45, and her sons Joshua Iyanda, 24, and Prosper Iyanda, 21, are said to have stolen the cocoa beans from the home of Akeem Obidiran in Temidire Village, Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State. 

The stolen beans were recovered by the Osun Amotekun Corps after the suspects attempted to sell them.

The Amotekun Corps acted quickly after Obidiran reported the theft, leading to the suspects’ arrest while attempting to transport the stolen goods.

According to the prosecutor, the theft was a felony under Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Vol. II, Laws of Osun State, 2002. The suspects admitted to the crime, confessing during interrogation and in court that it was their first offense, and pleaded for leniency, citing desperation as the motive.

Magistrate A.O. Odeleye emphasized the seriousness of the theft, noting its impact on livelihoods and the economy. 

The trio was remanded in custody until the next hearing, scheduled for January 29, 2025, to allow the prosecution time to prepare its case.