Popular Pastor Arrested For Aiding Escape Of Suspected Criminal

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

A popular Lagos pastor, Rev. Hananiel Dike has landed in trouble after he stood as surety for a criminal suspect, Mr. Oscar Ogbonna and he was released to him.

The incident happened at Area D Command, Mushin, Lagos, where Mr. Ogbonna was detained for stealing.

P.M.EXPRESS reports that after the suspect was granted bail and released from custody, he quietly parked his load and escaped to an unknown place without informing Pastor Dike.

It was gathered that Mr. Ogbonna reportedly stole one tricycle worth N540,000 belonging to one Augustine Ukete and escaped. The police however, later trailed, arrested and detained him at the Command for investigations. Pastor Dike went to the Command and asked the police to release Ogbonna to him on bail and he will produce him any time the police needed him. The police then released the suspect to him as surety, having assured the police that the suspect will not jump bail.

P.M.EXPRESS gathered that when Ogbonna was granted bail and released from custody, he discovered that the evidence against him will eventually land him in prison. He then reportedly packed his loads and moved out of Lagos without informing both the police and his surety.

When the police requested Pastor Dike to produce Ogbonna as he had promised, he was unable to reach him. Dike eventually contacted him on phone and he was said to have told him to sort himself out with the police as he was no longer living in Lagos.

The police then arrested Pastor Dike and charged him before Isolo Magistrates court for perversion of justice.

He pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Mrs. Rita Momah did not object his bail because the offence was bailable.
Thus, the Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. E. Kobenje granted him bail in the sum of N100,000 with one surety in like sum.
He was remanded in prison custody pending when he will perfect his bail condition.
The matter was adjourned till 6 June, 2018.