A 64-year-old cleric, Apostle Adefiju Boluwaji, has been brought before a Chief Magistrate Court in Akure over allegations of trespass, unlawful destruction of property, and disturbing the peace in the Bolorunduro area of Ondo East Local Government.
Boluwaji, who had previously been declared wanted by the Zone 17 command of the Nigeria Police Force, was arrested on Sunday. He was first taken to the Bolorunduro Divisional Police Headquarters and later transferred to the Zone 17 office in Akure.
The police prosecutor, Adebayo Sulaiman, stated that Boluwaji, along with others who are not yet in custody, entered land in the Omilosu area without permission and caused damage to crops including plantain, cocoa, coconut, and palm trees. The value of the damage was estimated at ₦247 million. The land in question belongs to Reverend David Akinadewo Adekahunsi.
The prosecutor also linked Boluwaji to an earlier case involving Prince Adebisi Adefusi, aged 80, who is already facing trial in the same matter at the Chief Magistrate Court in Bolorunduro.
The charges read in court include allegations of conspiracy, forcible entry, and willful destruction of property. It was further alleged that Boluwaji’s actions created a situation likely to disturb public peace, given that the land was under the control of another party at the time.
Boluwaji pleaded not guilty to all charges. His lawyer, Oguntuwase, requested bail and noted that the offences were bailable under the law.
The prosecutor did not oppose the bail application but asked that the conditions be strict, pointing out that Boluwaji had avoided arrest until recently.
Chief Magistrate Damilola Sekoni granted bail in the sum of ₦1 million. The court also required two sureties in the same amount. The sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and provide an affidavit of means.
The matter has now been reassigned to the Magistrate Court in Bolorunduro, where it will continue on September 15.
