BY LEKE ADEGBITE
An Ondo state High Court sitting in Akure today sentenced a clergyman, Pastor John Abiodun to two years imprisonment for lying and publishing false allegation against the founder of the Promiseland Prophetic Ministry, Akure, Pastor Gbenga Akinbiyi, that seven baby Placentas were planted on the church’s altar.
The trial judge, Justice Bode Adegbehingbe held that Pastor Abiodu was found guilty of committing perjury which is punishable under section 118 of Criminal code, laws of Ondo state, but the court acquitted Professor Lanre Olu-Adeyemi from the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko of allegations of aiding false publication, Impersonation and conspiracy.
Delivering over three hours judgment, the Judge further ruled that Pastor Abiodun John was guilty of count 5 of the case for contradicting himself while giving evidence in the allegation against him which included using different church WhatsApp platforms and other social media to malign, carry out false publication and wrongly alleged the founder of the Promiseland Prophetic Ministry located at opposite Shasha Market on Akure/Owo expressway, Akure, Pastor Gbenga Akinbiyi and some elders of the church of planting baby placentas on the church’s altar and some fetish objects.
The judge said although Pastor Abiodun was guilty of fourteen imprisonment but tempered justice with mercy by jailing him for two years due to aged parents and children.
Pastor John Abiodun faced eight Count charge of conspiracy, publication of false news, Perjury, Impersonation and threatening violence amongst other charges, but only found guilty of perjury, while Prof Lanre Olu-Adeyemi who stood trial on five (5) count charges of conspiracy, publication of false news, Aiding Publication of false news and aiding impersonation, was discharged and acquitted of all the charges.
The lawyer to the convicted Pastor, Adelanke Akinrata represented by Adesanmi Olarenwaju had earlier pleaded for lienecy for his clients while Barr Femi Emodamori who is the lawyer to the freed Professor, expressed happiness that the court vindicated his client in the case.
The prosecuting counsel, Kayode Dare expressed satisfaction that the court’s judgement had vindicated Pastor Gbenga Akinbiyi and other members of his church that John Abiodun lied against the church and its founder as it concerned burying of placentas on the altar.