Festive cheer turned sour in Ado-Ekiti as three men were hauled before a magistrate for an alleged large-scale poultry theft just weeks before the yuletide season.
Police arraigned Moses Uker, 35; Monday Gambo, 32; and Daniel Zakariya, 23, before a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ekiti State over accusations bordering on felony and stealing.
According to the prosecution, the suspects allegedly conspired to cart away 500 chickens from a private poultry farm within Ado-Ekiti.
The birds were said to be valued at ₦9 million and reportedly belonged to a local farmer, Falade Solomon.
Presenting the case, Inspector Akinwale Oriyomi told the court that the incident occurred on November 19.
He said the alleged offence violated provisions of Ekiti State’s criminal statutes.
“This was not a minor theft. The scale and timing suggest deliberate planning,” the prosecutor said, adding that the alleged act falls under Sections 421 and 302(1)(a) of the Ekiti State Criminal Law, 2021.
However, defence counsel, Adunni Olanipekun, appealed for leniency, urging the court to grant bail to the accused persons.
She assured the magistrate that her clients were responsible citizens who would make themselves available for trial.
“My clients understand the gravity of the charge and are prepared to face the process without evasion,” she said.
Ruling on the bail application, Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun admitted each defendant to bail in the sum of ₦100,000. Furthermore, he directed that two sureties be provided by each accused person.
Notably, the court ordered that one of the sureties must be a recognised chairman of a community association, a move aimed at ensuring accountability and compliance.
Meanwhile, proceedings in the case have been adjourned until January 30, 2026, when the court is expected to commence substantive hearing.
The case adds to growing concerns over agricultural thefts during festive periods, when demand for poultry products traditionally spikes across Nigeria.