Man arraigned in Lagos court over alleged forceful seizure of church property

The Lagos State Government, on Tuesday, arraigned one Olusola Shedrach before the State High Court sitting in Ikeja over the alleged illegal takeover and damage of a property belonging to Harvesters Church along the Gbagada–Oworonshoki Expressway.

The defendant was brought before Justice Hakeem Oshodi on a three-count charge bordering on forceful takeover, malicious damage, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

At the commencement of proceedings, the state prosecutor, Olufunmilayo Aluko, informed the court of the prosecution’s readiness and requested that the charges be read to the defendant for his plea.

“My Lord, we are ready for the arraignment of the defendant and pray that the charges be read to him so that he can take his plea,” she stated.

The court granted the request, and the charges were subsequently read in open court.

According to the prosecution, Shedrach allegedly forcefully assumed control of the church’s property and caused damage to items within the premises. He was also accused of acting in a manner capable of disturbing public peace.

Aluko further told the court that the alleged offences contravene Section 2(1) of the Lagos State Properties Protection Law, 2016, as well as Sections 350 and 168(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Following the plea, defence counsel, Mr O. Odueso, requested a short adjournment to enable the defence to file and argue its bail application.

“My Lord, we respectfully seek a short date to allow us to file and move our bail application,” he said.

The prosecution did not object to the request.

In his ruling, Justice Oshodi adjourned the matter to April 22, 2026, for the hearing of the bail application, while June 17, 2026, was fixed for the commencement of trial.

“This matter is hereby adjourned to April 22, 2026, for hearing of the bail application and June 17, 2026, for trial,” the judge ruled.