By Peter.
A herder identified as Buba Usman has been brought before an Akure Chief Magistrate’s Court for allegedly engaging in open grazing and destroying crops worth over ₦1.1 million in the Ileyo community of Ondo State. According to the prosecution, the incident occurred on November 22, 2025, when Usman’s cattle reportedly strayed into a farm belonging to Ayodele Adebowale, causing severe damage to crops such as cassava, maize, tomatoes, and other produce.
The authorities stated that the herder violated the Ondo State Livestock Rearing, Grazing Regulation, and Ranching Establishment Law of 2021, which restricts open grazing across the state. They also noted that the act amounts to malicious destruction of property under the state’s criminal laws.
During the hearing, Usman entered a not-guilty plea. Nevertheless, the court granted him bail set at ₦700,000, with two sureties required to meet the same amount. The case has been adjourned to December 4, 2025, for further proceedings.
This arraignment reinforces the state government’s ongoing efforts to enforce its anti-open grazing legislation. In recent years, Ondo has recorded several similar cases, showing the growing commitment to protecting farmlands and preventing clashes between farmers and herders.
