Court to Rule on Alleged Fraud Case Involving RCCG Pastor August 29

In a significant legal development, Justice Oke Lawal of the Lagos State High Court has scheduled a ruling for August 29 on a preliminary objection in an alleged fraud case involving a zonal pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Adewale Olajide, and an accountant, Taiwo Akinmolayan. The case centers around accusations that Olajide and Akinmolayan, who served as chairman and financial secretary, respectively, of the Island Heritage Estate Association, misappropriated over N60 million during their tenure from 2010 to 2018.

The alleged fraud came to light in 2018 when the executive council refused to account for its stewardship to the caretaker committee, prompting the association to hire an auditing firm to investigate its accounts. The subsequent audit revealed significant discrepancies, leading the association to pursue legal action against the defendants after attempts to recover the funds were unsuccessful.

In court, the association requested that Olajide reimburse N7,017,795.29, representing the total amount allegedly transferred from the association’s account to his personal accounts, along with 13.5% accruable interest and 18% post-judgment interest. Similarly, Akinmolayan was asked to return N6,017,795.29 linked to him, plus interest. However, the defendants’ legal representatives, Olu Folorunsho and Chijioke Nwosu, filed a preliminary objection, arguing that the court lacked jurisdiction as the defendants reside in Ogun State and claimed that the matter was already before another court in the state.

In response, the association’s counsel, Mayowa Owolabi, presented a counter-affidavit, asserting that the jurisdictional challenge was without merit. The affidavit, supported by Ojumefor Agha, clarified that both defendants work in Lagos, within the court’s jurisdiction, and that the implicated bank transactions occurred through Guaranty Trust Bank, headquartered in Lagos.

This case underscores the importance of accountability and justice within institutional leadership, reflecting the biblical principle found in Micah 6:8, which calls for justice, mercy, and walking humbly with God. As the court prepares to deliver its ruling, the community awaits a resolution that upholds these values and ensures care for the victims involved.

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