FIVE Pastors were remanded in prison on a 10-Count charge for kidnapping and unlawful keeping of children in isolation in the basement of their Church waiting for the coming of Christ in two month’s time as directed by their Pastor.
The General Overseer of the Whole Bible Believer, Pastor David Anifowose and other four pastors were docked before an Akure Magistrates’ Court for alleged kidnapping.
Other Pastors docked with Anifowose were Josiah Peter 49, Stephen Olawole 51, Blessing John 60 and Gbenga Ayembo Gbenga 56.
Last week, security operatives and youths had forcefully removed 77 persons, including 26 children from the basement of the church.
Police prosecutor, Augustine Omhenimhen, told the court that the pastors unlawfully imprisoned the children of one Elizabeth Reuben and stopped their parents from gaining access to them.
Omhenimhen said the accused persons also took custody and harboured wife and children of one Patrick Olaniyan and blocked access to them.
He said the pastors unlawfully deprived the church members of their freedom against their will and also placed them in a dehumanizing environment which made them prone to diseases.
The accused persons were also alleged to have assaulted, resisted and willfully obstructed Inspector Rotimi Ogunji who was on lawful duty at the church’s premises.
Other charges were unlawful taking away of underaged girls from the protection of their parents without their permission.
He said the offences contravened and punishable under Section 225, 361, 364 (2), 365, 365(2), 516 of the Criminal Code Cap, 37. Volume 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.
Defense counsel, Oladele Ayoola urged the court not to remand the accused persons.
Presiding Magistrate, O.R Yakubu ordered that the accused persons be remanded in police custody.
He adjourned the case to July 18, 2022 for hearing of bail application.
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