CRIME: COURT SENDS 2 TO YOLA PRISON FOR CUTTING A TREE

 Two elderly men of Boronji Community in Yola North Local Government Area, Adamawa state have been remanded in prison custody for allegedly cutting a baoba tree.

The remand order was issued by a Chief Magistrate Court I Admin in Yola on Tuesday.

The accused persons, Augustine Gurbi and Namel Kompani are facing charges of criminal trespass and intimidation contrary to sections 372 and 333 of state penal code law.

The defendants were earlier dragged to the court by the Ward Head of Boronji, Kenneth Stephen where he alleged that Gurbi and Kompani had entered his house and started cutting his baoba tree.

According to the royal father, his wife called and informed him that the defendants entered the house without permission and started cutting the tree.

Kenneth narrated that it was one traditional ruler by name Dogara Balitus that came to his house and advised them to come down.

He said that since that time, nobody call to plead with him to exercise patience, and urged the court to take cognisance of the conduct of Gurbi and Kompani.

When the charge sheet was read and interpreted to them, the 1st defendant (Gurbi) pleaded not guilty, while the 2nd defendant (Kompani) admitted committing the offence.

After the mention, counsel to the complainant, J. Atajiri, pleaded with the court to adjourn the matter to enable them call witnesses to prove their case.

Atajiri told the court that he intends to plead with his client to exercise patience and withdraw the case, but since the 1st defendant denied committing the offence, he will assemble their witnesses to testify in court, and that if he proves his case, he will ensure their conviction.

Upon hearing what Atajiri said, the 1st accused person suddenly changed his initial plea, and admitted that he actually climbed the tree, saying that the tree is outside the royal father's house.

The court presided by Honourable Aliyu Bawuro, adjourned the matter to 3rd March, 2021 for hearing and ordered that the defendants be remanded at Yola correctional service facility till then.