Pastor Arraigned For Defamation

A Clergyman in the state with one of the new generation churches, City of Grace International Church Oyigbo, Rev. Jeskin Jim Chijioke has been arraigned before a Port Harcourt  Magistrate Court presided over by magistrate C.J. Oreh for character defamation.

The accused person, Rev. Jeskin Jim Chijioke 45, is standing trial on a one count charge of character defamation.

Rev. Chijioke was said to have prophesied to one Mrs Ngozi Akugbanwa that her husband is an occultist, thereby causing her to quit her matrimonial home to his church at Oyigbo.

The Police Prosecuting Officer, Sergent Aaron Nsirem told the court that the Pastor on May 9th, 2011 at City Grace International Church Oyigbo, within the jurisdiction of the court did prophes that one Innocent Akugbanwa belonged to a secret cult.

According to him, the prophesy caused hatred, contempt and forced the wife of Mr Akugbanwa to abandon her matrimonial house to live in the pastor’s church at Oyigbo.

He said the offence committed is punishable under Section 373, 374(1)(a) 375 of the Criminal Code Cap 37 Vol. 11 Law of Rivers State of Nigeria.

The Presiding Magistrate, C. J. Oreh however granted the accused person bail with the sum of N400,000 with a surety. Surety to provide passport photos and evidence of means.

The case was later adjourned to December 19, 2011 for further hearing.

Mercy Awari