The Lagos State Government has arraigned one Olusola Shedrach before the State High Court sitting in Ikeja over alleged forceful takeover and damage of a landed property belonging to Harvesters Church along the Gbagada–Oworonshoki Expressway.
The defendant was arraigned before Justice Hakeem Oshodi on a three-count charge filed by the state.
According to the charge, the defendant is accused of forceful takeover of land, contrary to Section 2(1) of the Lagos State Properties Protection Law, 2016.
The prosecution alleged that he forcefully took over the property belonging to Harvesters Church.
He was also charged with wilful damage to property, contrary to Section 350 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, for allegedly destroying items on the said property.
The third count borders on conduct likely to cause breach of peace, contrary to Section 168(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, with the state alleging that the defendant conducted himself in a manner capable of causing disturbance on the property.
At the proceedings, the state prosecutor, Mrs Olufunmilayo Aluko, prayed the court to take the plea of the defendant, which was granted.
The charges were thereafter read to the defendant, who pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Following his plea, defence counsel, Mr. O. Odueso, urged the court to grant a short adjournment to enable the defence move its bail application.
After hearing submissions from both parties, Justice Oshodi adjourned the case to April 22 for the hearing of the bail application and fixed June 17 for the commencement of trial.
