Date: 2012-08-03

 An Ilorin Magistrates' Court on Friday ordered the remand of  four herdsmen for allegedly destroying some farms and assault.

The defendants-Saliu Buderi, Saliman Tuku, Abdulkadir Dogo and Abubakar Awalu-reside in Alapete Fulani camp in Asa Local Government Area of  Kwara.

The accused were arraigned on a three-count charge of criminal trespass, mischief and causing hurt, contrary to Sections 348, 327 and 242 of the Penal Code.

The prosecutor, Bilikis Adu, told the court that the accused  trespassed with their cows into the farm of one Jamiu Yimsa of Jekun village  in Asa Local Government Area.

''Their cows ate and destroyed his maize and cassava plantation, each of which was valued N150, 000.

"The accused also used their cutlasses to inflict injury on the face of one Saliu Abdullahi who challenged their action,"  the prosecutor said.

Adu added that three brothers of the victim traced the accused to a cattle ranch and reported to his father who again ordered that they be beaten.

The victims were said to have sustained deep injuries  in the head and body, leading to the admission of the three of them in Omolayo hospital in Igbeti,  Oyo State.

All the defendants  pleaded not guilty to the charge against them while the prosecutor objected to their bail on the ground that they had  no fixed address.

In her ruling, Magistrate Kalejaiye Yahaya ordered the remand of the accused in prison and adjourned the case to Aug. 15 for further mention.

(NAN)