Pastor remanded in custody over alleged murder of tenant in Ondo State

A 56-year-old pastor, Emmanuel Adebayo, has been ordered to be remanded by a magistrates’ court in Akure over the alleged murder of Toyin Olatunji, a 50-year-old woman who was his tenant.

The pastor, who serves in a Christ Apostolic Church, was arrested in his home in connection to the death of the deceased.

The prosecutor, Abdulateef Suliaman, told the court that the defendant killed the woman by pushing her to the floor during a quarrel that ensued between the two, leading to her death.

The prosecutor urged the court to remand the defendant in correctional custody until an advice is issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP.

The defence counsel, however, prayed the court for an adjournment to enable his client to file a counter affidavit to the application sought by the prosecutor.

The magistrate, Tope Aladejana, ordered the defendant to be remanded in Olokuta Correctional Centre and adjourned the case until the 27th of April for ruling.

According to the prosecutor, the defendant’s actions contravene Sections 310 and 316 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ondo, 2006. He, therefore, urged the court to remand the defendant in correctional custody pending the issuance of advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The defence counsel, on the other hand, requested an adjournment to enable his client to file a counter affidavit to the prosecutor’s application.

The Magistrate, Tope Aladejana, granted the prosecutor’s request and ordered the remand of the defendant in Olokuta Correctional Centre. The case was adjourned till April 27th for ruling.

The family and friends of the deceased woman have expressed shock and sadness over her sudden death. They called on the relevant authorities to ensure that justice is served and the perpetrator is brought to book. The Christ Apostolic Church, where the accused is a pastor, has also released a statement condemning the alleged actions of their member and promising to cooperate with the authorities to ensure justice is served.

The incident has once again highlighted the need for individuals to seek peaceful ways of resolving conflicts and to avoid resorting to violence. It also underscores the importance of justice and accountability in our society, as well as the need for the authorities to ensure that perpetrators of crimes are brought to book, regardless of their status or position in society.