Two men, Abraham Olaonipekun and Sodiq Olakotan, were on Tuesday arraigned before an Ota Magistrates’ Court in Ogun for allegedly destroying a billboard valued at N4 million.
Olaonipekun, 50, and Olakotan, 37, both of no fixed address, were arraigned on a three-count charge of malicious damage, conspiracy and breach of peace.
They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecutor, ASP E.O. Adaraloye, told the court that the defendants and others still at large committed the offences on June 20, opposite Sango Garage, Ota.
Adaraloye alleged that the defendants and their accomplices conspired to destroy a billboard structure used for advertisement and valued at N4 million.
He further alleged that the defendants conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace by removing a flex banner belonging to Work of Darkness Ministry, which was in the custody of one Olalekan Olakitan.
The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 249(d), 451 and 517 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ogun, 2006.
The Magistrate, Mrs O.O. Fadairo, granted each of the defendants bail in the sum of N400,000, with one surety in like sum.
Fadairo directed that the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction, be gainfully employed and provide evidence of tax payment to the Ogun Government.
She adjourned the case until November 11 for further hearing.
