Court Remands Pastor in Custody For Culpable Homicide in Kogi

A Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Lokoja has remanded Pastor Peter Michonza of the New Jerusalem Deliverance Ministry, Ageva in Okene Local government area of Kogi State at the Federal Correctional Centre Kabba for 14 days.

The presiding Chief Magistrate, Abdul A. Umar gave the order on Thursday, following the experte application of the Department of State Security DSS to remand the accused person to enable them to continue further investigations.

In an experte application, the accused person was said to have committed culpable homicide, causing miscarriage and impersonation punishable under sections 224,232,433 and 325 of the Kogi State Penal Code

The suspect would be charged to the High of Justice after the preliminary investigations are concluded.

The Counsel to the defendant, Barrister Lawrence N.Ilobuno told the journalists that his client was arrested by the Department of State Security DSS on the 19th of September,2022 and has since been detained in their custody.

He pointed out he has approached Magistrate to apply for bail because has stayed more than the required days in custody after being charged to Court.

Ilobuno noted that based on an expert application filed by the DSS for remand to enable them to carry out further investigations, stressing the Magistrate has remanded the suspect at Kabba correctional centre for 14 days.

The case has been adjourned to 20th, October 2022 for mention.

Earlier the Chairman of Okene Local Government Area, Abdulrazaq Muhammed directed security agencies to carry out a full investigation on Pastor Peter Michonza founder of the New Jerusalem Deliverance Ministry.

The Pastor of the Church, Peter Michonza went viral on social media over allegations of running labour wards for pregnant women in his church and selling “bulletproof” water to the people, amongst other medically unacceptable practices which have led to the death of many.

Michon with his members also held a protest rally in Okene, calling for the release of International Musician, R Kelly who was recently jailed over child pornography and rape allegations.

In a press statement issued by the Chairman, he said the directive for investigation became necessary “after some of his alleged ungodly activities were published on social media by concerned members of the public.”

Ibrahim Oyewale

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