The presiding pastor of the Tree of Life Bible Church, Irete, Owerri West LGA, Ebere Emmanuel Amadi, has been arraigned in court after weeks of evading police arrest.
Pastor Amadi was apprehended by officers of the Ogbaku Police Station following allegations of assault, molestation, and threats to the life of his mother, Mrs. Nelly Chidinma Amadi, over family property.
Reports indicate that the pastor had previously jumped administrative bail granted by the Scorpion Squad Office, prompting the police to intensify efforts for his re-arrest.
The Imo State Police Command subsequently charged Pastor Amadi to court for the alleged offence. According to court records in suit MID/31C/2024, titled Commissioner of Police vs. Ebere Emmanuel Amadi (47), the charges include:
1. Count I: Theft of property documents belonging to Mrs Nelly Amadi, an offence punishable under Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Cap C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, applicable in the Imo State.
2. Count II: Maliciously damaging a medicated eyeglass worth ₦60,000, an offence punishable under Section 451 of the Criminal Code.
3. Count III: Conducting himself in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace by forcibly entering. Amadi’s compound and writing “This House is Not For Sale” and “Beware of 419” on the premises, an offence under Section 249(d) of the Criminal Code.
During the court session, defence counsel Barr. Osuocha appealed for bail, citing the matter as a family dispute that could be resolved out of court. The Magistrate, His Worship Alamezie, granted bail at ₦500,000 with one surety, who must be a Level 10 officer in the Imo State Civil Service, alongside valid identification documents.
However, due to the unavailability of a suitable surety, the Prosecuting Officer, Maria Goretti Nosiri, transferred Pastor Amadi to the Nigeria Correctional Centre in Owerri.
The defendant, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, is set to appear in court on January 24, 2025, for the continuation of the hearing.
