Ondo based radio broadcaster and pastor of Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), Gbenga Filani has been arraigned before a magistrate court for alleged rape of a pregnant teenager.
Filani was last week arrested by the Ondo State Police Command after a 19-year-old pregnant lady who had gone to his church for deliverance, alleged him of rape.
The Police Prosecutor, Mr Nelson Akintimehin accused Filani of two count charges bordering on rape and assault.
Filani was said to have committed the offence on December 8, 2021 at about 3:43pm at Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) Deliverance Parish, No 1, Owuye Close, Fabunmi Avenue, Oda Road Akure.
It read “That you Gbenga Filani on the 8th December, 2021 at about 3:43pm at Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) Deliverance Parish, No 1, Owuye Close, Fabunmi Avenue, Oda Road Akure in the Akure Magisterial District, did unlawfully had canal knowledge of one Ojo Bukola age 19 years without her consent under the pretence of spiritual healing and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 357 and punishable under section 358 of the criminal code cap 37, vol 1 laws of Ondo state of Nigeria 2006.
“That you Gbenga Filani, on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned Magisterial District, did unlawfully and indecently assault one Ojo Bukola by torching her private part against her will and thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under section 360 of the criminal code cap 37, vol 1, laws of Ondo state of Nigeria 2006.”
The police prosecutor said the offences were punishable under sections 358 and 360 of the criminal code cap 37, vol 1 laws of Ondo state of Nigeria 2006.
Akintimehin, however, urged the court to remand the accused pending legal advice of the Department of Public Prosecution.
But the lawyer to the accused, Adelanke Akinrata asked the court to grant him bail pending the legal advice from the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP).
Akinrata argued that there was not evidence before the court to link the accused with the alleged offence committed.
The Presiding Magistrate, Damilola Sekoni however granted bail in the sum of N500, 000 and two sureties in the like sum. He said the sureties must deposed to affidavit of means.
Magistrate Sekoni added that the sureties must have landed properties in the jurisdiction of the court. He adjourned to January 14 for hearing of the case.
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