A Magistrate court in Ondo State has ordered the arrest of a 43-year-old cleric for allegedly spreading fake news of his death.
Report has it that Oyewole borrowed N3 million from a church follower named Boyede Emmanuel. He had allegedly promised to pay back within seven days.
However, the clergyman tried to avert paying his debt by publishing an obituary post of himself.
Police prosecutor Akao Moremi explained in court that the Boyede recieved fake alert from the cleric, who went ahead to post on WhatsApp fake obituary news about himself.
According to the prosecutor, the cleric later threatened Boyede on phone, and in an later confrontation, attempted a breach of peace by stripping himself naked in front of the victim’s house.
Moremi said the accused committed the offense sometime between November 25, 2021 and May 7, 2022, along the Valentino area in Ondo, contrary to and punishable under Sections 419, 86, and 125A(1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Volume 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.
The cleric pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. The police prosecutor then told the court that he would invite four witnesses.
Prosecutor Moremi then applied for a hearing date while he takes some time to study the case file.
Defending counsel Mrs. Queen Arokoyo applied for the bail of her client in the most liberal terms and promised the court that her client will comply.
The trial Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. Mosunmola Ikujuni then consented, granting the defendant N1 million bail with two credible sureties each in like sum. Mrs. Ikujuni added that one of the sureties must own a house and live within the jurisdiction, while the original and photocopy of the Identification card must be attached.
The case was then adjourned until February 13, 2023 for the hearing.
