Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A 58-year-old man, Ajayi Amos, has been brought before a Chief Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, over the alleged theft of 60 kegs of palm oil valued at ₦3 million. The defendant was arraigned on a two‑count charge bordering on burglary and stealing, following allegations that he and other accomplices, who are currently at large, broke into a warehouse belonging to YSJ Limited in Ikere‑Ekiti and carted away the items.
The prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent of Police Akinwale Oriyomi, told the court that the alleged incident occurred on the morning of 16 May 2026 at about 8:00 a.m. at the YSJ store premises in Ikere‑Ekiti. According to the prosecutor, the defendant and his accomplices forcefully gained entry into the store and stole the palm oil, which was the property of YSJ Limited. Oriyomi further informed the court that the offence contravenes Sections 421 (criminal conspiracy), 324(1)(2) (burglary), and 302(1)(a) (stealing) of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.
The defendant, who pleaded not guilty to the charge, was represented by his counsel, Barrister Oluwafemi Alabi. Alabi urged the court to admit his client to bail on liberal terms, assuring the court that he would not jump bail and would make himself available for trial. The presiding Chief Magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun, granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦200,000 with two sureties in like sum. The case was subsequently adjourned to 22 June 2026 for hearing.
The theft of palm oil, a major commercial commodity in Ekiti State, is not uncommon, as the product is often targeted by thieves due to its high market value. In 2024, a 50‑year‑old woman was arraigned in Ado‑Ekiti for receiving a stolen 30‑litre keg of palm oil. In 2022, an Akure court sentenced two men to two years’ imprisonment for stealing 25 litres of palm oil and other items. The recurrence of such thefts reflects the economic pressures and the thriving black market for stolen goods in the region.
The matter has been adjourned to allow for further hearing, and the defendant is expected to appear in court with his sureties to perfect his bail conditions.
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