An Ilorin Magistrates' Court on Wednesday remanded five persons in prison custody for allegedly trespassing into a farmland and destroying crops.

The accused are Mohammed Bida ,30, Majine Mindalima, 39, Kudu Emichata, 20, Saliu Alhaji, 30 and Ndama Eku, 30, all residents of Eko village in Lafiagi, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara.

They were arraigned on a four-count charge of criminal conspiracy, criminal trespass, mischief and theft contrary to Sections 97, 348 327 and 287 of the Penal Code.

The accused were arrested after one Ndaji Maji of Esun village lodged a complaint on July 5 at the police station stating that his farm was invaded by the accused and that rice and melon crops were destroyed.

The complainant alleged that the accused stole a "Bajaj motorcycle" and a bag of rice seedling.

The police prosecutor, Sgt. Matthew Ologbonsaiye, told the court that the accused and others, now at large, destroyed the farmland covering 40 hectares.

The prosecutor argued that if admitted to bail, the accused would jump bail, thereby, jeopardising ongoing investigation.

The Magistrate, Mr Shuaib Olanikewu, upheld the submission of the prosecutor and ordered the accused to be remanded in prison custody.

He adjourned the case to Aug. 20. (NAN)