By Akin Kuponiyi
The Police today , arraigned a 23 year-old lady, Stephanie Otobo, who claimed that Apostle Johnson Suleiman had amorous relationship with her, before a Tinubu Chief Magistrate’s Court, Lagos,south west Nigeria over alleged blackmail and an intent to steal.
Otobo was arraigned before the court alongside a 43 year-old Wisdom Godstime. The two defendants were arraigned on a three -count-charge bordering on conspiracy, blackmail, and threat to life, proferred against them by the the Nigerian Police.
The prosecutor , M. A Animashaun, informed the court that the defendants and others at large committed the alleged offence on February 14, 2017, at about 10:30am, at Police College, Ikeja Lagos. He stated that the duo conspired amongst themselves to steal by demanding for property with menaces and an attempt to extort money.
The Prosecutor also stated that the defendants with intent to blackmail a man of God, un- lawfully demanded the immediate payment of the sum of $1million US Dollars, to Otobo by Apostle Johnson Suleiman, the president and founder of Omega Fire Ministry Worldwide, else she would call a press conference and accuse him of committing adultery with her and having illicit relationship with her and thereaten to kill him.
The prosecutor further alleged that the defendants with intent to extort money from Suleiman, accused him of committing adultery with Otobo, and also promised to marry her. her.
The offences alleged to have been committed by the two defendants is punishable under sections 411, 301 and 303 of the criminal law of Lagos state 2015.
However the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge leveled against them.
Magistrate Mrs Kikelomo Bukola- Ayeye, in her ruling granted the defendants bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum, who must be gainfully employed.
Magistrate Ayeye, On March 6, ,had refused a request to remand Stephanie Otobo and Wisdom Godstime, on the grounds that there is no substantial evidence place before the court for such order.
In the application for remand, the police said that Wisdom and Stephanie were suspected to have threatened and blackmailed the man of God.
Consequently, after the arraignment, the Magistrate ordered that the defendants should continue with the bail earlier granted them.
The matter has been adjourned till April 27,2017 for trial to commence.