Prophet, Six Others Charged To Court Over Kidnap Of One-Year-Old Boy
The Ondo State Government has charged Prophet Babtudende Alfa and six other persons to court over the disappearance of a one-year-old boy, Gold Kolawole.
Kolawole was declared missing on November 10, during a service at the children’s section of Sotitobire Praying Ministry, Akure.
The boy’s family has accused the Prophet and his church of negligence over the matter, while the latter has also claimed the family threatened him with thugs.
READ ALSO: Family, Prophet Trade Blame Over Disappearance Of Minor From Ondo Church
Last week, angry youths burnt down the church after the corpse of a 12-month old baby was allegedly exhumed from its premises.
The charges against the prophet include ‘Conspiracy to commit felony to kidnap’ and ‘aiding the kidnapping’.
One of the other six defendants, Peter Anjorin, was charged with destroying evidence that would have aided the speedy investigation of the matter.
READ ALSO: Ondo Youths Set Church Ablaze Over Alleged Dig-Up Of Baby From Premises
However, in a ruling on Monday, Magistrate Charity Adeyanju noted that the court doesn’t have the jurisdiction to hear the case.
He adjourned the case till January 17, 2020 and ordered the defendants to be remanded in Olokuta Correctional Centre, Akure.
Counsel to the defendants, Olusola Oke said there was no evidence presented at the court to prove his clients guilty.
The full list of defendants charged are: Prophet Alfa Babatunde, m, 42; Omodara Olayinka, f, 50; Margaret Oyebola, f, 62; Grace Ogunjobi, f, 56; Motunrayo Egunjobi, f, 24; Esther Kayode, f, 36; Peter Anjorin, m, 31.