By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
Ibadan, Jan. 9, 2026
A 25-year-old man, Awakaria Anise, stood before the Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan on Friday, facing charges that extend beyond a simple theft. The case, involving the alleged strangling of chickens valued at N175,000, opens a window into broader issues of rural crime, economic pressure, and legal process in Nigeria.
The defendant, whose address was not provided in court records, pleaded not guilty to a trio of charges: malicious damage, stealing, and the unlawful strangling of chickens. This specific charge of ‘unlawful strangling’ is notable, as it moves beyond generic theft statutes to address the particular method and potential cruelty involved in the act.
According to the prosecution, led by Sgt. Samuel Owolabi, the incident occurred on the evening of January 7th at the Panorama Poultry farm in Idu-Ayunre, Ibadan. The prosecutor alleged that Anise damaged property worth an estimated N500,000 to gain access to the farm—a sum nearly three times the value of the stolen poultry. This suggests a significant breach of security, not a casual snatch-and-grab. He then allegedly strangled seven chickens, with a total value of N175,000 (approximately N25,000 per bird), with the intent to sell them.
The legal framework cited—Sections 390(9), 451, and 495 of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000—provides context for the seriousness with which the state views the alleged crimes. Section 390 deals with theft, with subsection (9) likely pertaining to the value of the stolen goods. Section 451 typically covers ‘mischief’ or willful damage to property, while a law against ‘strangling animals’ often falls under statutes preventing cruelty or unlawful killing of livestock, which is a vital economic asset in agrarian communities.
Magistrate Mrs. Gladys Oladele granted the defendant bail set at N50,000 with two sureties in like sum. This bail decision is a critical part of the judicial process, balancing the presumption of innocence with the assurance that the accused will return for trial. The requirement for two sureties is a common practice to strengthen this assurance. The case was adjourned until January 31st for hearing.
Broader Implications and Context:
While this is a report on a specific court appearance, it highlights several undercurrents in Nigerian society. Theft of livestock is a persistent challenge for farmers, representing not just a loss of product but a blow to food security and individual livelihoods. The high value assigned to the chickens (N175,000) and the damage (N500,000) underscores poultry farming as a serious commercial venture, not just subsistence agriculture. Furthermore, cases like this often spark discussions about the socio-economic drivers of such crimes, including youth unemployment and economic desperation, even as the law rightly focuses on the act and its consequences.
The adjournment is a reminder that the wheels of justice turn methodically. The next court date will begin the process of weighing the prosecution’s evidence against the defendant’s plea of not guilty.
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
Source: NAN News
