A cleric, Pastor Akinlabi Olalere and his assistant, Akanni Adewale, had nasty experiences after they received serious beatings from aggrieved members of the church in Lagos State as properties worth millions of Naira were destroyed and they were rushed to an undisclosed hospital for treatment.
It was reported that the incident happened at the church located at Salawu Downtown in Ikosi, Ketu area of Lagos.
Meanwhile, Police operatives from the Commissioner of Police Lagos State Command Strike Team, have arrested some of the key members, who allegedly participated in the mob attack including a woman while others were said to be at large.
The suspects arrested were Isiaka Olalekan, 55, Semiu Salawu, 60, Abass Ajao, 3, Akeem Akinola 52 and Mrs. Juliet Osayi, 56.
Apart from battering the victims mercilessly, they invaded the church and the Pastor’s house and destroyed properties including musical equipment, vehicles belonging to the two victims and other properties worth millions of Naira to vent their anger and left.
After the attacks and destruction of properties, the victims wrote a petition to the Commissioner of Police, who ordered investigation into the conduct of the members, which led to the arrest of the suspects for interrogation.
The cause of their anger was not disclosed by the Police. But after thorough interrogation, the Police found the suspects culpable for inflicting serious injuries on the victims and destruction of properties including vehicles.
They were subsequently charged before the Ogba Magistrates Court for unlawful society, conspiracy and malicious damage.
When they were arraigned, they pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Inspector Ajayi Emmanuel, then asked the Court to give a date for hearing to enable the Police to prove that they actually committed the alleged offence since they pleaded not guilty.
The Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. A.S. Odusanya, granted them bail and ordered their remand in correctional center pending when they will perfect their bail conditions.
