In a decisive move against the violation of Ondo State’s anti-open grazing law, a Magistrates’ Court in Akure has sentenced a herdsman, Dan-Bello, to 10 years in prison for illegally grazing his cattle and destroying crops valued at N50 million.
The herdsman, who faced a five-count charge, was found guilty of conspiracy, unlawful grazing, malicious damage, breach of peace, and illegal entry. The court, presided over by Magistrate Damilola Sekoni, ruled that the prosecution had presented convincing and credible evidence against the defendant.
According to court records, the incident took place on October 27, 2023, when Dan-Bello allowed his cattle to stray onto a farmland belonging to the National Palm Produce Association of Nigeria (NPPAN). The farm, situated along Ago Panu–Ute Road in Owo Local Government Area, was home to young palm trees and watermelons cultivated over two hectares — all of which were destroyed by the roaming cattle.
Prosecuting counsel P.O. Nwafor explained to the court that Dan-Bello committed the offence without the necessary permit and on land not approved for such activities by the state government, breaching the provisions of the Ondo State Livestock Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, enacted in 2021.
The situation worsened the following day when another herder, who had initially escaped, allegedly returned with six others to set fire to the farm, causing further devastation and destroying a motorcycle in the process.
A farm guard, who testified for the prosecution, narrated how he managed to apprehend Dan-Bello at the scene while the second suspect fled.
In delivering judgement, Magistrate Sekoni declared that the prosecution’s case was watertight, adding that the gravity of the crime left the court with no choice but to impose a firm sentence. Dan-Bello was handed four years imprisonment without an option of a fine on the first count, two years on the second count (with an option of N50,000 fine), and one year each on the third and fourth counts. He was further sentenced to two years without the option of a fine on the fifth count. The sentences are to run concurrently.
However, the court also ruled that the convict could regain his freedom if he pays N2 million as compensation to the complainant.
In his remarks, Magistrate Sekoni stressed the need for strict adherence to the anti-open grazing law, emphasizing its role in curbing violent clashes between farmers and herders within the state.
