Ondo evangelist arraigned for lying against church

The Ondo State Police Command , on Wednesday, arraigned an evangelist , John Abiodun , before a magistrates ’ court sitting in Akure for allegedly swearing a false affidavit .

Abiodun , who is a former member of the Promised Land Prophetical Ministry , located in the Shasha area of Akure , was accused of lying against the founder of the church, Pastor Gbenga Akinbiyi , in an affidavit he swore before the Commissioner for Oaths .

The church alleged that Abiodun lied that the pastor buried some fetish items in the altar area , but when the police dug the altar , they did not find anything fetish.

As a result , Abiodun was arraigned on three counts bordering on falsehood.
The charges read , “ That you, John Abiodun , on March 28 , 2019 , around 11 am at the Chief Magistrates’ Court, Akure , did falsely swear an affidavit on oath before the Commissioner for Oaths knowing it to be false with intent to mislead members of the public , thereby committing 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 magistrates ’ court , did make a false statement on oath knowing it to be false , thereby committing 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 insult the Church of God , Promised Land Prophetical Ministry , Shasha area , Akure , in order to prevent the free officiating and worship of the church, thereby committing 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 accused person , however , pleaded not guilty to the charges .

The counsel for the defendant , Mrs Maria Bolorunduro , urged the court to grant him bail in liberal terms .

She assured the court that Abiodun would not jump bail and that he was ready to provide credible sureties .

The prosecutor , Mr Martins Olowofeso , prayed the court to adjourn the matter in order for him to properly study the case file , adding that he had about four witnesses to call .

In her ruling , the magistrate, Mrs Ruth Olomilua , granted the accused person bail in the sum of N 500 , 000 with two sureties in like sum , who must reside within the court ’ s jurisdiction and swear to affidavits of means.

She adjourned the case till October 18 , 2019 , for hearing .

Credits: Punch Newspaper