Herder Faces Court Over Alleged Open Grazing and Farm Destruction
A cattle herder identified as Buba Usman found himself before an Akure Chief Magistrate's Court on Thursday, facing serious allegations related to illegal open grazing and the destruction of agricultural produce worth over one million naira.
The defendant was brought to court by operatives of the Amotekun Corps, the Western Nigeria Security Network, on a two-count charge that included open grazing and malicious damage to crops.
Details of the Alleged Offenses
According to the prosecution counsel, O. F. Baba, the incident occurred on November 22, 2025, when Usman allegedly permitted his livestock to graze unlawfully on farmland located in the Ileyo Community along Isagba Pelebe Road in Akure.
The farmland, which belongs to Ayodele Adebowale, suffered significant damage during the incident. The prosecution stated that the destroyed crops included:
- Cassava
- Maize
- Tomatoes
- Various other agricultural products
The total value of the damaged crops was estimated at N1,115,000, representing a substantial economic loss to the farm owner.
Legal Charges and Court Proceedings
The prosecution emphasized that Usman's actions violated Section 32(1) of the Ondo State Livestock Rearing and Grazing Regulation and Ranching Establishment Law, 2021. This legislation specifically addresses the regulation of livestock movement and grazing activities within the state.
Additionally, the herder was charged under Section 451 of the Criminal Code Law of Ondo State, 2006, which deals with malicious damage to property.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Buba Usman pleaded not guilty to both charges brought against him.
Chief Magistrate T. I. Ayodele-James presiding over the case granted the defendant bail set at N700,000. The bail conditions require two sureties who must provide the same amount as the bail bond.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for December 4, 2025, when the case will continue for further proceedings and evidence presentation.
This case represents another test of Ondo State's enforcement of its livestock regulations amid ongoing tensions between farmers and herders in various communities across Nigeria.
