Five Pastors docked for alleged kidnapping in Ondo

Police prosecutor, Augustine Omhenimhen, told the court that the pastors unlawfully imprisoned the children of one Elizabeth Reuben and stopped their parents from gaining access to them.

Omhenimhen said the accused persons also took custody and harboured wife and children of one Patrick Olaniyan and blocked access to them.

He said the pastors unlawfully deprived the church members of their freedom against their will and also placed them in a dehumanizing environment which made them prone to diseases.

The accused persons were also alleged to have assaulted, resisted and willfully obstructed Inspector Rotimi Ogunji who was on lawful duty at the church’s premises.

Other charges were unlawful taking away of underaged girls from the protection of their parents without their permission.

He said the offences contravened and punishable under Section 225, 361, 364 (2), 365, 365(2), 516 of the Criminal Code Cap, 37. Volume 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

Defense counsel, Oladele Ayoola urged the court not to remand the accused persons.

Presiding Magistrate, O.R Yakubu ordered that the accused persons be remanded in police custody.

He adjourned the case to July 18, 2022 for hearing of bail application.