Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court has ordered that Prophet Adefolusho Osasele, the head pastor of The Turn of Mercy Church, be held at the Ikoyi Nigerian Correctional Centre. This follows allegations that he was involved in trafficking 900 kilograms of Ghana Loud, a variety of Cannabis Sativa.
Known also as Abbas Ajakaiye, Osasele pleaded not guilty to a single count of illegal possession and distribution of the prohibited substance, as charged by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
At the arraignment, NDLEA prosecutor Michael Erondu informed the court that Osasele was apprehended on August 3, 2024, in Ajah, Lagos, for his involvement in unlawful drug activities.
Erondu emphasized that the accused’s conduct violated Section 11(c) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, which outlines the legal consequences for such offenses.
He requested the court to schedule a trial date in light of the defendant’s plea.
In response, defense counsel Mimido Nyiew stated that a bail application had been submitted on Osasele’s behalf and duly served to the prosecution.
After hearing both parties, Justice Lewis-Allagoa granted bail set at N50 million, requiring one surety of equal value.
The court further instructed that the surety must provide an affidavit of means along with evidence of land ownership within the court’s jurisdiction.
Before adjourning the case to November 18 for trial, the judge ordered that Osasele remain in custody at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre until all bail conditions are fulfilled.
