By Ayodele Popoola
Hearing of the application for remand of the Akure Prophetess, Folashade Kikiowo Adekole, before an Akure Chief Magistrate’s Court, on Thursday suffered another setback, following the absence of the trial magistrate in court.
The hearing was further delayed due to the absence of Chief Magistrate Sunday Adedapo in the court. He was on official engagement.
The police had earlier arraigned Adekola before the court, for allegedly causing the death of one Jumoke Adesuwa, and her newborn baby during childbirth.
The court had adjourned till last Wednesday, for hearing of the remand application.
However, our correspondent gathered that the case could not go on, as the Chief Magistrate was unavoidably absent due to his official engagement in the High Court premises, which also involved all the Magistrates in the jurisdiction.
The case was subsequently fixed for December 5, 2024, for hearing.
The Hope Metro had reported that Adekola was arrested by the police over her alleged involvement in the circumstances that led to the death of a 31-year old expectant woman and her infant, who bled to death after delivery in the church’s mission house.
The accused said to be Pastor-in-Charge of Christ Engracing Deliverance Ministry in Akure, was arraigned on a two-count charge of murder and causing the death of the victims.
The alleged offence was committed on November 9 at about 11:30 pm at Christ Engracing Deliverance Church mission, Onyearugbulem Junction, Isikan area of Akure.
The prosecutor, Nelson Akintimehin alleged that Adekola killed the victim, one Jumoke Adesua and also caused the death of her male child during delivery in her church mission.
Akintimehin prayed the court to remand the defendant at a correctional facility pending the outcome of advice from the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).
The offence, according to the charge, is contrary to and punishable under Section 319, 328 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.”
Counsel to the defendant, O. Oladapo, prayed the court for an adjournment to enable the defendant reply to the application sought by the prosecution, through a counter-affidavit.