by Kolapo Olapoju

Ibigbemi Ajayi, a 70-year-old Ilorin-based pastor and his 17-year-old son, Joel, have been arraigned before an Ilorin Magistrate’s Court for attempted murder and culpable homicide.

Father and son were charged with criminal conspiracy, causing grievous hurt and attempt to commit culpable homicide.

According to the police first information report (FIR), the pair were arrested following a petition written by Pastor Ayoade John, who alleged that the cleric engaged him and his wife as Bible Study teachers on Saturdays and Sundays at a church without being paid.

The FIR stated that, “On June 1, 2014 at about 20:00 hours, you, Prophet Ibigbemi Ajayi and your son Joel Ajayi, criminally conspired and went to the room of the petitioner to beat him with criminal charm and his right hand swelled, simply because he answered a phone call while you are speaking with him. On June 13, 2014 at about 20:00 hours, the petitioner met you for settlement when you, Ibigbemi Ajayi and Joel Ajayi, conspired together and beat him up with a stick and he sustained [a] fracture on his right hand and also shot at him, causing him to sustain injuries on his stomach as a result of slight touch of the pellet. You hereby committed the above offences.”

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges, while the Chief magistrate, A. M. Ibrahim, granted them bail of N250, 000 with two sureties each, while the case was adjourned till August 13 for further mention.

Kolapo Olapoju