An Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting in Lagos State, on Friday arraigned a 43-year-old prophet for allegedly giving false testimony against his landlord.
The prosecutor, Insp. Cousin Adams told the court that the self-professed prophet, David Babalola, who claimed to be a minister with the Presence Redemption Ministry, committed the offence on November 4, at No. 13, Folorunsho Street, Off Ajayi Road, Aguda-Ogba area of the state.
Adams said, “The accused had falsely given information that his landlord, Joseph Agaga wanted to forcefully occupy the land where his church was located.
“The false information against his landlord led to his arrest and detention at the police station and upon investigation by the police, it was discovered that the land actually belonged to Agaga.
“The offence contravened Section 95(C) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011. Section 95 (C) prescribes seven years imprisonment if found guilty,” the prosecutor added.
The accused who is facing trial on a charge of false testimony pleaded not guilty.
Counsel to the accused, Mr. O. Quadri, urged the court to grant bail to his client.
Quadri said, his client, as a man of God, would not evade trial nor tamper with evidence, adding that he would stand as surety for his client in the case.
In her ruling, the Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Helen Omisore, granted the accused N200, 000 bail with one surety in like sum.
Omisore adjourned the case till September 14 for further hearing, ruling that the surety must provide evidence of tax payment to the state government.
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