Highlight

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

Samuel AkpanJune 9, 20251 Mins read1.4k

In a significant judgment delivered by Justice J.A. Aina of the FCT High Court in Gwagwalada, Rev. Israel Akanji, former Resident Pastor of First Baptist Church, Garki, Abuja, and five other defendants have been acquitted of alleged misappropriation of N620 million church funds.

The court’s ruling was based on the prosecution’s failure to establish a prima facie case against the defendants.

The defence team, led by Mr. Adeniyi Akintola (SAN), had filed a no-case submission, arguing that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case.

Akintola contended that the prosecution’s failure to file a counter-affidavit rendered the defence’s claims unchallenged and, therefore, not legally admissible.

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.

By failing to respond to the defence’s application, the prosecution effectively conceded to the defendants’ claims.

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.

He described the case as a “family matter” that should not have been brought before the court, noting the need for Christians to conduct themselves in a manner befitting their faith.

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.