An FCT High Court in Gwagwalada has discharged the former Resident Pastor of First Baptist Church, Garki, Abuja, Rev. Israel Akanji, and five others over alleged misappropriation of N620 million.
Delivering judgment, Justice J. A. Aina held that the police failed to establish a prima facie case against the defendants. He emphasized that the matter was essentially a family affair that should have been resolved internally rather than through litigation.
The ruling followed a motion by the Defence Counsel, Adeniyi Akintola (SAN), who argued that the court lacked jurisdiction and that the prosecution’s failure to file a counter-affidavit rendered the defence’s claims unchallenged.
“I have considered the totality of the affidavits and exhibits filed by the Nigeria Police Force. They do not support the continuation of this case,” the judge said. “Where there is no jurisdiction, no other issues can survive.”
Justice Aina noted that the failure of the police to respond to the application amounted to a concession and consequently struck out the charges without awarding costs to either party.
Taking a conciliatory tone, he advised members of the church to embrace reconciliation, stressing that Christians should resolve disputes internally and reflect the teachings of Christ.
“This is a family matter that should be resolved internally. It is not right that such matters find their way into the courtroom,” he said.
The defendants—Rev. Akanji, Rev. Thomas Ekugbene Takpatore, Mr. Babatunde Adebayo, Mrs. Adenike Adebayo, Mr. Oladele Afolabi, and Mrs. Gloria Olotu—had been accused of conspiracy, forgery, and misappropriation of church funds in 2021, allegedly violating Section 97 of the Penal Code.
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