The Police on Thursday arraigned a 24-year-old man, Victor Akande, before the Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ado-Ekiti over allegations of threatening the life of a Catholic bishop.
Akande, who has no fixed address, faces a two-count charge of life-threatening conduct and breach of peace.
According to the prosecutor, Inspector Olasunkanmi Bamikole, the defendant committed the alleged offenses on January 15 at about 8:30 p.m. at the Bishop’s House in Ado-Ekiti.
Bamikole stated that Akande disrupted public peace by threatening the life of Most Reverend Felix Ajakaye, the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti.
He further described the defendant as a drug addict who had previously been arrested and warned to stay away from the bishop’s residence.
However, the defendant allegedly returned to the premises, claiming his intent was to seek forgiveness.
“The defendant said he went back to the premises to ask for forgiveness,” Bamikole said.
The prosecutor emphasized that the charges contravened Sections 46 and 181(1)(d) of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021, and requested an adjournment to review the case file and prepare witnesses.
Akande pleaded not guilty to the charges.
His defense counsel, Mr. Opeyemi Esan, informed the court that the bishop had reportedly pardoned the defendant and suggested rehabilitation.
Esan also appealed for bail, assuring the court that Akande would comply with the conditions.
In her ruling, Chief Magistrate Adefunke Anoma noted, “There is nothing before the court to support the defendant counsel’s claim, to warrant striking out the charge.”
The court granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N10,000 with one surety in like amount and adjourned the case to January 28 for a report of settlement or hearing.
