A Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday ordered the detention of the founder of a pentecostal church – Peniel of God’s Power International Ministries Incorporated – Apostle Dr Kassy Chukwu following his arraignment on a 10-count criminal charge.
Chukwu, charged with another pastor, Ighosotu Johnnark (said to be at large) is accused by the police, of among others, making false claims against a fellow church leader – Senior Prophet Jeremiah Omoto, the General Overseer of Christ Mercy Land Deliverance Church.
He was alleged to worked with others, now at large, to make and distribute various video posts on his Facebook account, accusing Prophet Omoto of among others, engaging in fake and stage-managed miracles, act the prosecution claimed amounted to the offences of conspiracy, cyberstalking, bullying and blackmail, offences punishable under Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition) Act, 2015.
Chukwu was also alleged to have, in another video post, described Prophetess Grace, the General Overseer of Solution House of God Ministry, as a prostitute that sleeps around with different men that including her spiritual father Prophet Jeremiah, describing her as “Prophetess of disgrace.”
A count in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/ 183/2022 reads: “That you, Apostle Dr Kassy Chukwu, male (37 years) of Peniel of God’s Power Intl. Ministries Inc. and others now at large, on or before 23rd day of January, 2022 did knowingly and intentionally posted a video that Prophet Jeremiah Omoto alongside his co-pastors are criminals, kidnappers and armed robbers and that Prophet Jeremiah has been doing fake miracles and defrauding members of the public, through your Facebook page by means of computer system or network that is grossly offensive or menacing character and you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act 2015.”
Chukwu pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him, following which the prosecuting lawyer, Wisdom Madaki prayed the court to remand the defendant in prison custody owning bail.
Defence lawyer, S. A. Magudu opposed the prosecution’s request that his client be remanded in custody, noting that Chukwu has a pending application for bail.
Lawyers to both parties argued for and against the bail application, following which Justice Evelyn Maha adjourned till July 22 for ruling.
Justice Maha noticed that in view of the recent reported invasion of the Keju prison by terrorists, Chukwu should be kept in police custody pending the determination of his bail application.