A self-acclaimed prophet, David Babalola, who gave false information to the police about his landlord, was on Friday docked before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court.
The accused, 43, who claimed to be a minister with the Presence Redemption Ministry, is facing trial on a charge of false testimony. He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him.
The prosecutor, Insp. Cousin Adams, said that the accused committed the offence on Nov. 4, at No. 13, Folorunsho St., Off Ajayi Road, Aguda-Ogba. He alleged that the accused gave false information against his landlord, Joseph Agaga, which led to his arrest and detention at the police station.
“The accused had falsely given information that his landlord wanted to forcefully occupy the land where his church was located. “Upon investigation by the police, it was discovered that the land actually belonged to Agaga,” he said.
Adams said the offence contravened Section 95(C) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011. Section 95 (C) prescribes seven years imprisonment if found guilty.
Counsel to the accused, Mr O. Quadri, urged the court to grant bail to his client, saying that, as a man of God, he would not evade trial nor tamper with evidence.
Quadri also informed the court that he would stand as surety for his client in the case. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Helen Omisore, granted the accused N200,000 bail with one surety in like sum.
She said that the surety must provide evidence of tax payment to the state government and adjourned the case till Sept. 14 for mention.
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