An 18-year-old landlord, Similoluwa Akande, has been arraigned before an Akungba-Akoko Magistrate’s Court in Ondo State for allegedly destroying his tenant’s belongings valued at about ₦898,000.
The incident reportedly occurred on August 19, 2026, at Okusa, Akungba Akoko, following a disagreement between Akande and his tenant, Aseluwa Ezekiel, over the tenancy.
The police prosecutor, Olasunkanmi Boboye, told the court that the defendant allegedly set fire to the tenant’s belongings, including a bed, bed frame, clothes, carpet, gas cylinder, travelling box, shoes, curtains and rods. Cash and some official documents were also reportedly destroyed in the incident.
The prosecutor said the total value of the damaged property was estimated at ₦898,000 and that the alleged offences contravened Section 249(D) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.
Akande was arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on felony. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges. The defendant, who was not represented by a lawyer, told the court that he was experiencing health challenges.
Presiding Magistrate Kolapo Kolawole granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦500,000, subject to conditions. While the case was subsequently adjourned until September 9, 2026, for further hearing.
The prosecution is expected to present its witnesses and evidence as the proceedings continue.
By Musekir Faisat Omolara
