Court Sentences Repeat Offender to 24 Months Imprisonment for Cocoa Theft in Osun.

The Magistrate Court sitting in Iragbiji, Osun State, has sentenced one Olabosipo Waliyu, a 20-year-old male, to 24 months imprisonment for the offence of stealing cocoa beans valued at ₦200,000.

The defendant was arraigned today, July 9, 2025, in Charge No. MIRA/28c/2025 before the Magistrate O.D. Ajiboye. The charge stemmed from the theft of cocoa belonging to one Mr. Okunola Morufu at Gbamila Village, Iragbiji. The case was brought before the court by the Amotekun Corps after the defendant was arrested by Amotekun Boripe Command.

Legal proceedings commenced with the prosecution, led by Barrister Oyedele Akintayo, presenting a single-count charge of stealing. The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge. Upon his plea, the prosecutor immediately outlined the facts of the case, which the court accepted, leading to a conviction.

Delivering judgment, Magistrate Ajiboye found the defendant guilty as charged and imposed a sentence of 24 months imprisonment without an option of fine, citing the defendant’s previous conviction for a similar offence earlier in the year.

It will be recalled that the same defendant, Olabosipo Waliyu, was convicted of cocoa theft earlier in 2025 and was sentenced to one year imprisonment with an option of a ₦50,000 fine, which was paid on his behalf by a good Samaritan. However, following his release, he reoffended by committing the same crime.

In her ruling, Magistrate Ajiboye described the defendant as a serial offender and emphasized that the stiffer sentence was necessary to serve as both a deterrent and corrective measure.

The Osun Amotekun Corps further urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or persons to relevant authorities. Public cooperation, the Corps maintains, is a crucial pillar in maintaining lasting safety and security within the state.

Yusuf Idowu Abass 

Public Relations Officer 

Osun Amotekun Corps