Pastor arraigned over alleged assault, threat to Ondo monarch

By Boye Oyeyemi

A 50-year-old pastor, Sunday Adeosun, has been arraigned before an Akure Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State over the alleged assault and intimidation of a traditional ruler.

Adeosun was docked on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, assault and intimidation.

The prosecutor, Nelson Akintimehin, told the court that the defendant and other suspects still at large allegedly conspired to commit the offences on June 18, 2026, at Onipetesi Community in Akure.

According to the prosecution, Adeosun allegedly assaulted the traditional ruler, HRH Oba Alaba Olasehinde, by slapping him and tearing his clothes during the incident.

The prosecutor further alleged that the defendant threatened to kill the monarch, an offence said to contravene Sections 351 and 516 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. 37, Laws of Ondo State, 2006, as well as Section 19(1) of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law of Ondo State, 2020.

In the accused’s defence, his counsel, Anbekemoh Adedamola, urged the court to admit the defendant to bail on liberal terms, assuring the court that his client would not abscond or interfere with the complainant and witnesses during the trial.

In his ruling, Chief Magistrate Sunday Adedapo granted the defendant bail in the sum of N850,000 with one surety in like sum. The court directed that the surety must present a valid means of identification and evidence of payment of the current year’s tax.

The magistrate adjourned the case until August 24, 2026, for further hearing.