Man arraigned for threatening Catholic priest

Ekiti State Police Command, arraigned one Victor Akande, before a Chief Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti District for allegedly threatening the life of the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Felix Ajakaye.

According to the charge, the defendant committed the offence on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at the Bishop’s Court.

The charge read, “That you, Akande Victor, on 15th January 2025 at 8:30 pm, at the Bishop’s Court, did threaten the life of Ekiti Catholic Bishop, Most Rev. Felix Femi Ajakaye, and also on the same day, time and aforementioned place did conduct yourself in a manner likely to cause the breach of peace.

“The offences are contrary to and punishable under sections 46 and 181(1)(d), Laws of Ekiti State, 2021.”

When the charge was ready to him, Akande pleaded not guilty.

The police prosecutor, Bamikole Olasunkanmi told the court of his intention to call three witnesses to prosecute the case. He then asked for a date to arrange his witnesses.

The defendant’s counsel, Opeyemi Esan informed the court that information at his disposal from the bishop, who was represented by a priest, indicated that he had pardoned the defendant but recommended him to undergo rehabilitation processes.

In the interim, the defendant’s counsel urged the court to admit his client to bail in a liberal term.

In his ruling, Magistrate Adefunke Anoma said, “There is nothing before the court to support the defendant counsel’s claim that could warrant the charge to be struck out.”

Anoma consequently admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N10,000 and one surety in like sum, adding, “Surety must swear to an affidavit of means and must be resident within the jurisdiction of this court.”

The magistrate adjourned the case till January 28, 2025, for a report of settlement or hearing.