A magistrate Court in Akure, the Ondo state capital, yesterday granted bail to Gbenga Filani, a popular broadcaster and pastor of Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), Deliverance Parish in Akure, who was arrested for allegedly raping a five-month pregnant woman in the state.
THISDAY had reported that the suspect was arrested after the 19-year old lady identified as Ojo Bukola was allegedly raped when she came for deliverance at the church of the pastor- the suspect was alleged to have used his manhood to apply ‘anointed oil’ in the woman’s private part.
The charge preferred against the cleric by the Police Prosecutor, Mr. Nelson Akintimehin, accused the broadcaster of two count charge bordering on rape and assault.
It read: “That you Gbenga Filani on the December 8, 2021, at about 3:43p.m. at the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) Deliverance Parish, No 1, Owuye Close, Fabunmi Avenue, Oda Road Akure in the Akure Magisterial District, did unlawfully have canal knowledge of one Ojo Bukola, 19, without her consent under the pretence of spiritual healing, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 357 and punishable under Section 358 of the criminal code cap 37, Vol 1 laws of Ondo State of Nigeria 2006.
“That you Gbenga Filani, on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned Magisterial district, did unlawfully and indecently assault one Ojo Bukola by torching her private part against her will, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 360 of the criminal code cap 37, Vol 1, laws of Ondo State of Nigeria 2006.”
The police prosecutor said the offences were punishable under Sections 358 and 360 of the criminal code cap 37, Vol 1 laws of Ondo State of Nigeria 2006, urging the court to remand the accused person pending legal advice of the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP).
However, the lawyer to the accused, Adelanke Akinrata, asked the court to grant him bail pending the legal advice from the DPP, arguing that there was no evidence before the court to link the accused with the alleged offence committed.
The Presiding Magistrate, Damilola Sekoni, however, granted bail in the sum of N500, 000 and two sureties in like sum. He said the sureties must depose to affidavit of means.
Magistrate Sekoni added that the sureties must have landed property in the jurisdiction of the court, and therefore, adjourned to January 14, 2022, for hearing of the case.
Source: This Day
