Three men have been arraigned before an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan. The police accuse them of stealing 50 pieces of timber valued at ₦1.2 million. The defendants are Sunday Adeniran, 43; John Sunday and Adewale Adesope, 38. They pleaded not guilty.
Nigeria’s forestry sector faces illegal logging and theft. The Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria in Ibadan is a federal research institution. It maintains plantations and research plots. In 2023, vandals destroyed research plots at the institute. In 2024, similar thefts were reported. The sector lacks enforcement capacity. Timber is valuable. Thieves target government reserves because they are poorly guarded.
The prosecutor, ASP Femi Omilana, told the court the offences were committed on 20 and 21 October at FRIN, Ibadan. Adeniran and Sunday allegedly stole 50 pieces of timber worth ₦1.2 million. Adesope allegedly received the timber knowing it was stolen. The offences contravene Sections 516, 390(9) and 427 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
Magistrate Adebola Adeola granted each defendant bail of ₦1 million with two sureties. The case was adjourned to 16 December for hearing.
Winners: FRIN, if the timber is recovered. The police, which made arrests. The court, which asserts process. Losers: The defendants, who face trial. FRIN, which lost research material. The forestry sector, which faces continued theft. Taxpayers, if security is not improved.
Bottom Line: Fifty pieces of timber. ₦1.2 million. Three arrests. The institute is vulnerable. The theft continues. The court will decide. FRIN needs better protection.