In a recent development, the Baale of Ebute Ipare Community in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, Francis Ogundeji, has been handed a three-year jail term by the Ondo State Chief Magistrates Court sitting in Igbokoda for failure to comply with a court order.
The Senior Magistrate E.A. Manuwa delivered the verdict on Monday, with a copy of the judgment being obtained by PUNCH Metro on Thursday.
The judgment outlined that Ogundeji, along with Ikuejamoye Thomas, were brought before the court for their involvement in the sale of a piece of land within the community in November 2022, a direct violation of a court injunction. Reports indicated that both the state High Court in Okitipupa and the Magistrates Court in Igbokoda had prohibited any sale of the land, yet the traditional ruler and Thomas proceeded with the transaction.
The duo faced charges related to contempt of court and falsification of documents, specifically backdating the land sale receipt. They were charged on four separate counts based on these offenses.
During the court proceedings, the charges were presented to the defendants in English and then interpreted in Yoruba to ensure full comprehension of the accusations.
One of the charges stated, “That you, Francis Ogundeji, ‘M’, a farmer, (2) Ikuejamoye Thomas, M’, a pensioner, and others at large conspired in November 2022 at Ebute Ipare Community to commit an offence of contempt of court, thereby violating Section 517 of the Criminal Code Cap 37 Vol. 1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.”
The Magistrate, Mr. E.A. Manuwa, found both Ogundeji and Thomas guilty on the third count and sentenced them to three years imprisonment or a fine of N150,000 each. Thomas, however, was acquitted of counts one, two, and four.
The judgment specified, “Ogundeji Francis, the first defendant, is hereby given a three-month jail term or a N30,000 fine for count one. Additionally, Ogundeji Francis is sentenced to three months in prison or a N30,000 fine for count two. The second defendant is acquitted of count two.
“For count three, both the first and second defendants are each given a three-year jail term or a N150,000 fine. Ogundeji Francis receives a three-month prison sentence or a N30,000 fine for count four. The second defendant is cleared of count four.”
The court ruled that Ogundeji’s prison terms would be served consecutively for each count.