ONDO CHURCH RITUAL SAGA : EVANGELIST DOCKED FOR FALSE INFORMATION
The dawn is not yet, as 39 year old Evangelist, John Abiodun has been arraigned and docked by an Ondo state Magistrate Court in Akure for allegedly blackmailing, insulting and giving public false information against Pastor Gbenga Akinbiyi of the Religion of the Church of God, Promise Land Prophetical Ministry, Shasha Area, Akure Ondo State
Abiodun was docked before Magistrate Ruth Olumilua by the men of the police force on allegations of providing false information to the public and conduct likely to cause breach of public peace.
The accused person was said to have committed the offence on 28th March, 2019 at about 11am at Chief Magistrate Court, Akure, Ondo state capital,as he swore to false content affidavit.
The charge sheet reads, “That you John Abiodun on the 28th day of March, 2019 at about 11am at Chief Magistrate Court, Akure did falsely sworn to an affidavit on oath before the Commissioner for Oaths knowing fully to be false with intent to mislead members of the public and thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under section 188 of the criminal code cap 37, vol 1 laws of Ondo state of Nigeria 2006.
“That you John Abiodun on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned magistrate court did made a false statement on oath knowing fully to be false and thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under section 191 of the criminal code cap 37 vol 1 laws of Ondo state of Nigeria 2006.
“That you John Abiodun did does an act and insult the religion of the Church of God, Promised land Prophetical Ministry, Shasha Area, Akure in order to prevent free officiating and worship of the Church and thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under section 204 of the criminal code cap 37, vol 1 laws of Ondo state of Nigeria 2006.”
The prosecuting counsel, Inspector Martins Olowofeso told the court that the accused person has committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under sections 188, 191 and 204 of the criminal code cap 37, vol 1 laws of Ondo state of Nigeria 2006.
Inspector Olowofeso however prayed the court to adjourn the case in order for him to study the case file adding that he had about four witnesses to call on the matter.
The accused person who was represented by Mrs. Maria Bolorunduro however pleaded not guilty to the three counts charge leveled against him.
His counsel, Mrs. Bolorunduro urged the court to allow her client to bail on liberal term saying that the offence he committed was a bailable offence.
According to her, the accused person would not jump bail if passionately granted bail and that he is ready to provide a credible surety.
Delivering her ruling, the presiding magistrate Ruth Olomilua granted the accused person to bail on the sum of N500,000 with two sureties who must residence within the court jurisdiction and swear to an affidavit of means.
Magistrate Olomilua subsequently adjourned the case till 18th Oct, 2019 for hearing.