Man In Court Over Alleged Threat To Life Of Ekiti Catholic Bishop

One Victor Akande has been arraigned before an Ado Ekiti Chief Magistrate’s Court for allegedly threatening the life of the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Most Rev. Felix Femi Ajakaye

Twenty-four-year old Akande, who was arraigned by the Ekiti State Police Command, according to the charge, committed the offence on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at the Bishop’s Court around 8:30 pm.

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.”

The defendant pleaded not guilty when the charge was ready to him.

Police prosecutor, Bamikole Olasunkanmi had asked the court for a date to arrange his witnesses, saying his plan was to call three witnesses for the prosecution of the case.

Counsel to the defendant, Mr Opeyemi Esan told the court that information at his disposal was that the bishop, who was represented by a priest, had pardoned his client but recommended him to undergo rehabilitation processes.

He, however, urged the court to admit his client to bail in a liberal term.

Magistrate Adefunke Anoma in her ruling 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 granted bail to the defendant 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.”

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