An Ikeja High Court in Lagos on Friday granted bail to John Okeke, a Pentecostal archbishop, who allegedly stole property of his church members valued at N7 million.
Okeke, founder of God's Pentecostal Ministry World Wide, Iba in Lagos, is facing a nine-count charge bordering on stealing, forgery, uttering and impersonation.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Aishat Opesanwo in a ruling granted him bail in the sum of N2 million with two sureties in like sum.
The judge dismissed the objections of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to the bail application.
She held that the 58-year-old accused was entitled to bail, adding the EFCC had failed to show sufficient proof that he would jump bail.
Opesanwo said: “the accused is hereby granted bail in the sum of N2 million with two sureties in like sum.
“One of the sureties must be a civil servant not lower than grade level 14, while the other surety must own a landed property in Lagos State.
“The sureties are to swear to an affidavit of means and also produce three years tax clearance payable to the Lagos State Government. ’’
The judge also ordered the EFCC to verify all the documents to be tendered by the sureties.?
Okeke was arraigned in court on April 13 and he pleaded not guilty to the charge.?
The case was adjourned to June 28. ?
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