Pastor Charged With Murder

A painter, Augustine Akhayera, 54, risiding at 65, Okelola Street, Afromedia, Ijanikin, Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria, has been remanded on the orders of an Ebute Meta Magistrate’s Court, for allegedly killing a 70-year old co-tenant, George Ekwedi.

The painter was accused of killing the 70-year old man by shouting ‘Holy Ghost Fire’ at the man during a verbal confrontation on 20 February, 2011.

Investigations revealed that the painter, a member of Lord Chosen Church, had a misunderstanding with the old man, who had just undergone an operation.

On the fateful day, they were said to have exchanged words and the old man entered the bathroom to take his bath. Not knowing that the old man was in the bathroom, the accused, it was gathered, entered and on seeing the old man shouted, Holy Ghost Fire. The old man fell down and was later rushed to a nearby private hospital where he was confirmed dead.

Following this, the accused was arrested and charged to court on one-count charge of unlawful killing, an offence the prosecuting police officer, Inspector Sam Omoyeni, said is contrary to Section 319 (1) of the Criminal Code, Cap.C.17, Vol. 2, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.

The charge reads: “That you, Augustine Akhayera, on 20 February, 2011, at 65, Okelola Street, Afromedia, Lagos, in the Lagos magisteratrial district, did unlawfully kill one George Ekwedi, 70 years, by assaulting him and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 319 (1) of the Criminal Code, Cap.C.17, Vol.11, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2010.”

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge and the presiding magistrate, Mrs. Kemi Doja-Ojo, ordered that he should be remanded in prison custody, pending an advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution.

The case has been adjourned till 7 June, 2011, for trial.

—Paul Sanusi