An Ikeja High Court in Lagos State has denied bail to a cleric, Elijah Emenandy, charged with the sexual assault of his church member.
The pastor had applied for bail to the court, citing health challenges, but he was denied the request on Friday.
According to his counsel, C. E. Ezemba, Emenandy is suffering from high blood pressure, which required medical attention.
However, Lagos State counsel, Ola Azeez, in a 14-paragraph counter-affidavit, dated December 13, 2023, argued that the charges against the defendant were grievous, urging that he should not be granted bail.
He said that Adebayo’s health challenge would not be a threat to other inmates since it was not contagious.
Azeez added that the defendant could jump bail.
Justice Oyindamola Ogala dismissed the bail application, upholding the submission of prosecution that the charges against the cleric were grievous.
“The bail application is refused, and accelerated hearing is hereby ordered,” the judge held.
Ogala adjourned the case until February 23 for trial.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the defendant is standing trial on a three-count charge bordering on sexual assault by penetration.
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The offences are contrary to Section 261 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Emenandy had pleaded not guilty on arraignment.
The alleged victim had on October 30, 2023 testified against the defendant, narrating before the court how Emenandy allegedly taught him how to masturbate, watch pornographic contents and practice anal sex.
The witness also testified that the defendant physically tortured him while he lived in his house.
