The Ekiti State Police Command on Thursday charged a 24-year-old man, Victor Akande, before a Chief Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti for allegedly issuing threats against the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Most Rev. Felix Ajakaye.
The alleged incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at around 8:30 p.m. at the Bishop’s Court. According to the charge, Akande was accused of threatening the life of the bishop and behaving in a manner that could disrupt public peace. These actions are said to contravene Sections 46 and 181(1)(d) of the Laws of Ekiti State, 2021.
When the charges were read, Akande entered a plea of not guilty. The police prosecutor, Bamikole Olasunkanmi, informed the court of plans to call three witnesses to support the prosecution and requested time to prepare his case.
Representing the defendant, counsel Opeyemi Esan told the court that the bishop, through a priest representative, had expressed forgiveness and recommended rehabilitation for Akande. Esan further appealed for bail on lenient terms for his client.
In her ruling, Magistrate Adefunke Anoma stated that there was no formal evidence to support the claim of forgiveness that could justify dismissing the charges. However, she granted bail to Akande in the sum of ₦10,000 with one surety of the same amount. The surety is required to swear an affidavit of means and reside within the court’s jurisdiction.
The case was adjourned to January 28, 2025, for a settlement report or further hearing.
