Apostle Adefiju Boluwaji was on Wednesday arraigned before an Akure Chief Magistrates’ Court over allegations of criminal trespass and malicious destruction of farmlands reportedly valued at N247 million.
The self-proclaimed prophet, long declared wanted by Zone 17 Police Command, was arrested over the weekend and brought before the assistant inspector general’s office in Akure after initial detention at the Bolorunduro Divisional Headquarters in Ondo East Local Government Area.
According to police prosecutor Adebayo Sulaiman, Boluwaji and others still at large allegedly stormed farmlands belonging to Reverend David Adekahunsi at Omilosu through Bolorunduro on November 25, 2024.
The crops allegedly destroyed include plantain, cocoa, kolanut and palm trees.
The charge stated that 64-year-old and his associates forcibly entered the land in a manner “likely to cause a breach of the peace,” even though the land was said to be in the peaceful possession of Reverend Adekahunsi.
The charge reads in part, “That you Adefiju Boluwaji and others at large… did wilfully and unlawfully destroy plantain, cocoa, kolanut, and palm trees valued at N247 million belonging to Reverend David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi…”
He was also accused of criminal conspiracy, forcible entry and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace, all offences said to be contrary to and punishable under sections 516, 451 and 81 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ondo State.
The accused, who appeared calm in the dock, pleaded not guilty to all charges.
His counsel, Oguntuwase, appealed to the court to grant him bail on liberal terms, assuring that Boluwaji was ready to stand trial.
However, prosecutor Sulaiman opposed the plea, describing the accused as a flight risk who had evaded arrest for months.
Presiding magistrate Damilola Sekoni granted bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties in like sum. The sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and swear to an affidavit of means.
The case has been transferred to the Bolorunduro Magistrates’ Court, where hearing is expected to resume on September 15.
Meanwhile, 80-year-old Adebisi Adefusi, alleged to be an accomplice in the matter, is already facing trial at the Bolorunduro Magistrates’ Court in connection to the same land dispute.
