A pastor in Imo State, Nigeria, faces legal charges involving threats, property disputes, and family tensions. Read the details of the case, court proceedings, and bail conditions.
Pastor Arraigned in Court Over Family Dispute
The presiding pastor of the Tree of Life Bible Church in Irete, Owerri West Local Government Area (LGA), Ebere Emmanuel Amadi, has been remanded in custody following accusations of threats, assault, and property-related disputes involving his mother, Mrs. Nelly Chidinma Amadi.
The arrest occurred after several weeks of evasion, during which Pastor Amadi reportedly avoided police apprehension. Authorities at the Ogbaku Police Station detained him after Mrs. Amadi filed a report accusing him of assault, molestation, and threats over family property.
Details of the Case
LMSINT MEDIA gathered that Pastor Amadi had initially been granted administrative bail but later absconded. His actions prompted the police to pursue his rearrest. Upon being taken into custody, the Imo State Police Command filed charges in the Magistrate Court against him, alleging theft, property damage, and public disturbance.
In suit number MID/31C/2024, the charges included:
- Theft of Property Documents: Amadi was accused of stealing documents belonging to his mother, Mrs. Nelly Amadi, a crime punishable under Section 390(9) of the Nigerian Criminal Code (Cap C38).
- Property Damage: Allegations stated that Amadi maliciously destroyed his mother’s medicated eyeglasses, valued at ₦60,000, violating Section 451 of the Criminal Code.
- Public Disturbance: He was further charged with conduct likely to breach the peace, including forcefully entering Mrs. Amadi’s compound and marking her property with alarming phrases like “This House is Not for Sale” and “Beware of 419.” This offense falls under Section 249(d) of the Criminal Code.
Court Proceedings
The defendant’s lawyer, Barr. Osuocha, appealed to the court for bail, emphasizing that the matter was a family issue and could be resolved amicably outside the courtroom. The prosecutor, Maria Goretti Nosiri, did not object to the request.
Presiding Magistrate His Worship Alamezie granted bail to the defendant with conditions: a sum of ₦500,000 and a surety, who must be a Level 10 officer in the Imo State Civil Service, along with valid identification.
However, due to the defendant’s inability to meet the bail conditions immediately, he was remanded at the Nigeria Correctional Centre in Owerri.
Next Steps
The case has been adjourned to January 24, 2025, for hearing. Pastor Amadi pleaded not guilty to the charges during his arraignment.
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