Ekiti man arraigned for allegedly threatening Catholic bishop

The Police in Ekiti State on Thursday arraigned a 24-year-old man, Victor Akande, before an Ekiti State Chief Magistrate Court, Ado Ekiti District for allegedly threatening the life of the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Most Rev. Felix Ajakaye.

The defendant, according to the charge, committed the offence on January 15, 2025, at the Bishop’s Court around 8:30p.m.

The charge read, “That you, Akande Victor, on January 15, 2025, at 8:30p.m, at the Bishop’s Court, did threaten the life of the 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,” it stated.

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

The police prosecutor, Inspector Bamikole Olasunkanmi, informed the court of his intention to call three witnesses to prosecute the case and asked for a date to arrange his witnesses.

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

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