Man Arraigned for Threatening Ekiti Catholic Bishop’s Life

A 24-year-old man, Victor Akande, was yesterday arraigned before a State Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ado Ekiti for allegedly threatening the life of the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti, Most Reverend Felix Femi Ajakaye.

The incident, according to the charge, occurred on January 15, 2025, at the Bishop’s residence around 8:30 p.m. Akande is accused of threatening the Bishop’s life and engaging in conduct likely to cause a breach of peace. The charges are in violation of sections 46 and 181(1)(d) of the Laws of Ekiti State, 2021.

Upon hearing the charges, Akande pleaded not guilty. Police prosecutor, Inspector Bamikole Olasunkanmi, informed the court of his intention to call three witnesses to support the case.

Defence counsel, Opeyemi Esan, mentioned that the Bishop had pardoned Akande but recommended rehabilitation. Esan sought bail for the defendant, requesting a liberal term.

Magistrate Adefunke Anoma granted bail in the sum of N10,000 with one surety in like sum, who must be a resident within the court’s jurisdiction. The case was adjourned to January 28, 2025, for a report on settlement or hearing.

Also, a Lagos businessman, Ogochukwu Vincent Ofodume, was arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly unlawfully converting N342.9 million.

Ofodume, alongside his firms—Big V.I.P. Excellence Limited, V.I.P. Impress Hollywood Limited, and V.I.P. Apartments Limited—faces charges of conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence, and unlawful conversion.

The prosecution, led by Mr Morufu Animashaun of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (ForceCID), alleged that in 2023, Ofodume fraudulently obtained 1,228 bales of wax clothes valued at N202.6 million from Chinese businessman Zhu Yan Qin through one Igwe Ejiofor Kelvin.

Ofodume and his companies are also accused of falsely obtaining N45.2 million from the businessman for the purchase of timber from Guinea, which was meant for shipment to China.

The funds were allegedly used to construct his V.I.P. Apartments. Ofodume denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty. The court was informed that the prosecution would seek a trial date, while requesting the defendant be remanded in Nigerian Correctional Services custody pending trial.

Defence counsel, Felicia Nosike, applied orally for bail, but the court directed that a formal application be filed. The case was adjourned to March 28, 2025, for trial, and the defendant was remanded pending the resolution of his bail application.