An Ondo state High Court sitting in Akure on Thursday sentenced Pastor John Abiodun to two years imprisonment for lying and publishing false allegation against the founder of the Promiseland Prophetic Ministry, Akure, Pastor Gbenga Akinbiyi.
Abiodun had alleged that seven Baby placentas were planted on the church’s altar.
The trial judge, Justice Bode Adegbehingbe held that Pastor Abiodun was found guilty of committing perjury which is punishable under section 118 of Criminal code, laws of Ondo state.
The court however acquitted Professor Lanre Olu-Adeyemi, a lecturer at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) of allegations of aiding false publication, impersonation and conspiracy.
The Judge in the 3-hour ruling further ruled that Pastor Abiodun was guilty of count 5 of the case for contradicting himself while giving evidence in the allegation against him which included using different church WhatsApp platforms and other social media to malign, carry out false publication.
The other allegation was that he wrongly alleged the founder of the Promiseland Prophetic Ministry located opposite Shasha Market on Akure/Owo expressway, Akure, Pastor Gbenga Akinbiyi and some elders of the church of planting Baby placentas on the church’s altar and some fetish objects.
The judge said although Pastor Abiodun was guilty of 14-year imprisonment but would temper Justice with mercy by jailing him for two years due to his aged parents and children.
Pastor John Abiodun faced eight (8) count charge of conspiracy, publication of false news, perjury, impersonation and threatening violence amongst other charges, but only found guilty of perjury, while Prof Lanre Olu-Adeyemi who stood trial on five (5) count charges of conspiracy, publication of false news, aiding publication of false news and aiding impersonation, was discharged and acquitted of all the charges.
Culled from Sunshine Truth
Study @ Achievers University
