Court Rules in Favour of Rev. Akanji, Acquits Him of N620m Fraud Charges

Justice Aina upheld the defence’s argument, ruling that the police had not presented sufficient evidence to warrant the continuation of the trial.

In his judgment, Aina noted the importance of jurisdiction, saying that it was a threshold issue that must be resolved before any other matters could be considered.

Consequently, the court found merit in the application and struck out the charges without awarding costs to either party.

Notably, Justice Aina took a moral tone in delivering his ruling, urging church members to resolve their internal disputes amicably and encouraging reconciliation.

The judge’s admonition highlights the importance of internal dispute resolution mechanisms within religious organizations.

The defendants, Reverend Akanji, Reverend Thomas Ekugbene Takpatore, Mr. Babatunde Adebayo, Mrs. Adenike Adebayo, Mr. Oladele Afolabi, and Mrs. Gloria Olotu, had been standing trial for alleged conspiracy, forgery, and misappropriation of church funds, contrary to Section 97 of the Penal Code.

Persecondnews reports that the court’s ruling brings an end to the long trial, with the defendants being discharged and acquitted.