By Ayodele Popoola

|

A popular broadcaster and pastor of Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), Gbenga Filani, was yesterday arraigned before an Akure Magistrate Court for the offence of raping a pregnant teenager.

Filani, an Akure-based freelance broadcaster was apprehended last week by the police for allegedly raping a 19-year old pregnant lady who was in his church for deliverance.

The Police Prosecutor, Mr Nelson Akintimehin, informed the court that the broadcaster was charged with two counts bordering on rape and assault.

According to the charge sheet, Filani committed the offence on December 8, 2021 at about 3:43pm at Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) Deliverance Parish, No 1, Owuye Close, Fabunmi Avenue, Oda Road Akure.

The charge read in part, “That you, Gbenga Filani on December 8, 2021 at about 3:43pm at Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) Deliverance Parish, No 1, Owuye Close, Fabunmi Avenue, Oda Road Akure in the Akure Magisterial District, did unlawfully had carnal knowledge of one Bukola Ojo, aged 19 years without her consent under the pretence of spiritual healing, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 357 and punishable under Section 358 of the Criminal Code Cap 37, Vol 1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria 2006.

“That you, Gbenga Filani, on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned Magisterial District, did unlawfully and indecently assault one Bukola Ojo by touching her private part against her will and thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 360 of the Criminal Code Cap 37, Vol 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.”

Akintimehin, therefore, urged the court to remand the accused person pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions in the state Ministry of Justice.
But lawyer to the accused, Adelanke Akinrata asked the court to grant his client bail pending the legal advice.
Akinrata argued that there was no evidence before the court linking the accused with the alleged offence .
The Presiding Magistrate, Damilola Sekoni, granted Filani bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

He said the sureties must depose to an affidavit of means, while they must have landed properties within the jurisdiction of the court.

Sekoni adjourned to January 14 for hearing of the matter.