20th June, 2012
Area pastor of Redeemed Christian Church of Nigeria, RCCN, Etegbin District, Ojo, Pastor Henry Bomi has been arraigned before Ejigbo magistrate’s court for allegedly duping his church member, David Idanni, under false pretence.
He is now facing a three-count charge of fraud, stealing and threat to life before the presiding Magistrate, Mrs M.B. Folami.
The 57-year old cleric reportedly invited Idanni to his house at 7, Olawole Close Etegbin, Ojo, Lagos and told him that he had divine direction to sell his uncompleted house to him.
Idanni said Pastor Bomi asked him to pay a paltry sum of N370,000 and he would become the owner of the property.
The victim did not waste time, and was thankful to God and paid the money.
But he did not bargain what he later discovered.
The said property belongs to another person because the pastor had equally sold it to another buyer.
When Idanni demanded his money back, Bomi ignored him and started threatening to kill him.
Pastor Henry denied threatening to kill him and reselling the property.
He told P.M.NEWS that there was actually business transaction between them that later went sour.
He explained that he had about 12 plots of land in the area in Ogun State and sold one to him.
He said that trouble started when Idanni did not develop the land and the owners of the land took it back and resold it. But he did not explain the issue of uncompleted building in the land.
He said he had offered him another land at Badagary area but he refused.
P.M.NEWS gathered also that the complainant requested for his money back and after several promises the pastor could not refund the money.
He reported the matter to the police and the pastor was arrested and charged to court.
He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties.
The matter was adjourned till 8 July, 2012.
—Cyriacus Izuekwe