SAN FRANCISCO, October 10, (THEWILL) – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Thursday arraigned four suspects: Pastor (Mrs) Ruth Abbah, Pastor (Mrs) Deborah Jefferey, Pastor Shedrack Ajadi and Imomotimi Bowei on a 2-count charge before Justice Lambo Akanbi of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt for allegedly obstructing the operatives of the Commission from performing their lawful duty.
An EFCC statement revealed that the suspects were arrested on October 8, 2013 at Warrior of Christ International Church, Off Odili Road, Port Harcourt, for allegedly obstructing and assaulting operatives of the Commission in the course of inviting one Rev. John Richard who was alleged to be involved in a case of obtaining money by false pretence.
One of the charges read; “that you Pastor Mrs. Ruth Abbah, Pastor Mrs. Deborah Jefferey, Pastor Shedrack O. Ajadi. Imomotimi Bowei on the 8th day of October, 2013 at Warrior of Christ International Church off Odili Road Port Harcourt, Rivers State, within the Jurisdiction of this honourable court, wilfully obstructed Moses Oguzi, Okeibunor Emannuel, Henry Okwo and Jesse Haruna being officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in the course of the exercise of their official duty to wit: the invitation of one Rev. John Richard allegedly involved in a case of obtaining money by false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 32(2) (a) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act 2004 and punishable under Section 38 (2) (a) of the same Act”.
They pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Justice Akanbi however granted the accused person bail in the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N 500,000) and one surety in like sum. The surety must be a Level 14 officer and have landed property within the jurisdiction of court.
The case was adjourned to November 27, 2013 for commencement of trial.
