Mother, Two Sons Remanded Over ₦4.5m Cocoa Theft in Osun

A Chief Magistrate Court in Osogbo has ordered the remand of three suspects, including a mother and her two sons, at the Ilesa Correctional Centre for allegedly stealing cocoa beans worth ₦4.5 million.

The suspects, identified as Ayanda Olubunmi, 45, and her sons, Joshua Iyanda, 24, and Prosper Iyanda, 21, were arraigned on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, on charges of conspiracy and theft.

According to the prosecution, the trio unlawfully removed cocoa beans from the residence of one Akeem Obidiran in Temidire Village, Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State.

The stolen goods were reportedly recovered by the Osun Amotekun Corps while the suspects attempted to sell them.

“The defendants unlawfully removed cocoa beans from the complainant’s residence, thereby committing felony theft,” the prosecutor stated.

The suspects were charged with two counts of conspiracy and theft, offenses contrary to Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Vol. II, Laws of Osun State, 2002.

During interrogation and their court appearance, the suspects reportedly confessed to the crime, stating it was their first offense. They pleaded for leniency, claiming desperation had driven them to commit the act.

Magistrate A. O. Odeleye described the case as a serious offense, emphasizing its impact on livelihoods and the economy.

“Theft of this magnitude is a serious offense that affects livelihoods and the economy. The court must ensure justice is served to deter others,” Magistrate Odeleye said.

He ordered that the defendants be remanded in custody until the next hearing scheduled for January 29, 2025, to give the prosecution sufficient time to prepare its case.

The Amotekun Corps initiated the case after the complainant, Akeem Obidiran, filed a formal complaint about the missing cocoa beans. The suspects were apprehended by Amotekun operatives while transporting the stolen goods.