Sotitobire Church: 13 men remanded in Prison for murder, arson

Thirteen persons who were arrested in connection with the burning of Sotitobire Miracle centre in Akure have been remanded in Olokuta Correctional Service Centre.

They were brought before a Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Akure on a six -count-charge of felony, conspiracy , murder, arson and stealing.

The accused persons are ; Udeme Eyo, 28, Ikechukwu Nkoju ,40, Ayodimeji Jimoh ,27, Bamisaye Samson, Ojo ,20 , Balogun Ayinde, 25, Steve Adekunle, 22, Agbo Ṣeṣan,, 26, Stephen Omotosho, 18, and Omogbolahan James, 22,

Others are; Ademola Aderibigbe , 22, and Oluwadare Rotimi, 19, Ayo Ifedayo, 18 and Samuel Shitu, 30.

They were alleged to have committed the offence on December 18, 2019, at about 9:45am at Sotitobire Church, Oshinle, Akure, in the Akure Magisterial District.

According to the prosecution, the offences were contrary to sections 383 and punishable under sections 324, 516,319(1), 443(a), 451 and 390(a).

The accused persons were also alleged of killing one Sergeant Sheidu Ocheopo (m) by smashing him to death with tyre rim and stones at Sotitobire Church, Oshinle, while performing his lawful duty.

They were also alleged of setting ablaze Sotitobire Church Oshinle and Ajipowo branches, including Police Hilux patrol vehicle, AK47 rifle with breach No, 4777 and some vehicles belonging to individuals valued at N2 million.

The charge sheet listed the items destroyed to include; Toyota Siena, Range rover Jeep, Toyota venza, Toyota Camry and Lexus car valued at N250 million, belonging to Alfa Babatunde Olumoyo, Founder of the Sotitobire church.

Also some church properties like rug, amplifier, fans, and other valuables, valued at N600,000, were said to have been looted by the defendants.

The Police Prosecutor, Inspector Uloh Goodluck, applied for the remand of the 13 defendants at Olokuta Correctional Service Centre.

Counsel for the the defendants, Mr. Chimezie Obiaghanwa, however, opposed the application of the prosecutor but the presiding Magistrate Charity Adeyanju granted it and adjourned the case till January 3, 2020.