Crime

Anti-Open Grazing Law Firmly Enforced in Southwest as Court Delivers Landmark Verdict

Published by Tope Fakinlede on May 2nd, 2025.

Anti-Open Grazing Law Firmly Enforced in Southwest as Court Delivers Landmark Verdict

In a significant enforcement of the anti-open grazing law in the Southwest region of Nigeria, an Akure Magistrate Court has delivered a strong message to offenders by sentencing a herder, Dab Bello, following his conviction on multiple charges. The court ordered Bello to pay a compensation of N20 million for the destruction of farmland or face a 10-year jail term.

The case stems from an incident in which Bello unlawfully grazed his cattle on private farmland, resulting in damages estimated at N50 million. The act was a clear violation of Ondo State’s anti-open grazing legislation, which prohibits the indiscriminate movement and grazing of cattle to safeguard agricultural investments and prevent conflicts between herders and farmers.

Bello was charged with five offences: conspiracy, unlawful grazing, malicious damage, breach of public peace, and illegal entry. After due legal proceedings, he was found guilty on all counts. The judgment has been widely viewed as a firm endorsement of the rule of law and the state’s commitment to agricultural protection and internal security.

Legal and policy analysts see this case as a landmark decision that could serve as a deterrent to future offenders, while reinforcing the relevance and enforceability of anti-open grazing laws across the Southwest.