By Damisi Ojo, Akure
A senior lecturer at the Department of Political Science, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Dr. Lanre Olu-Adeyemi and Pastor John Abiodun have been arraigned at the High Court, Akure, Ondo State.
The duo were arraigned on a seven-count charge ranging from conspiracy to publication of false news, perjury, impersonation, threatening violence, among others.
While the case was mentioned for hearing at the Akure High Court 5, the state prosecutor, Bose Tunde-Alarape, told the court that it had become too difficult to serve one of the defendants, Olu-Adeyemi, the notice of motion on the matter as efforts seemed impossible.
Justice Olabode Adegbehingbe, however, implored the counsel to engage legal means to serve motions on the parties before the next date of adjournment.
He urged the lawyers and parties involved to make the process of serving and appearance at the court more prompt and of importance, noting that there were constitutional backing and penalties in such respect.
Counsel to Pastor Abiodun, Adelanke Akinrata, standing-in for Emmanuel Emodamori, told the court that they were not aware of any difficulty in serving one of the defendants by the state.
Counsel to the Promised Land Prophetic Ministries led by Tunji Osho and Collins Awoseye were at the court.
The judge sought the consent of the counsel on the date to be fixed for fresh hearing on the matter for January 30, February 3, 18, 24 and 26. All parties agreed on the date.
Policemen from the Ondo State Command invaded the Promised Land Prophetic Ministry, Shasha, Akure last September in connection with a petition written by the defendants that some fetish objects were buried at the church altar.
When the exercise was carried out, fetish objects were not found at the altar, which prompted the suit by the state (complainant).
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