Lagos Pastor-Lawyer Re-Arraigned For Allegedly Fondling Minor’s Breasts

Aka-Bashorun Olawale Akanni, a legal practitioner and pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), was re-arraigned before Justice Hakeem Oshodi at the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja on Wednesday, October 29.

He faces a one-count charge filed by the Lagos State Government concerning the indecent treatment of a minor.

Prosecution counsel Funmilola Aluko alleged that the defendant indecently assaulted the then 14-year-old girl in the Iwaya area of Lagos by fondling her breasts. The offense is stated to contravene Section 135 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. Mr. Akanni entered a plea of not guilty.

Defense counsel Morenikeji Oyekunle requested that her client be allowed to maintain the bail previously granted by a Magistrate’s Court, noting his compliance with all conditions and low flight risk due to his professions. Despite opposition from the prosecution, Justice Oshodi upheld the existing bail conditions but instructed the defense to ensure the defendant’s attendance at all subsequent court dates.

Following the ruling, the complainant, now 27 years old, was presented and gave her testimony. She explained that she met the defendant through her father, a fellow member of the RCCG. In 2010, at approximately eight years old, she moved in with Mr. Akanni’s family, hoping to improve her academics and increase her church choir participation.

The witness alleged that during her stay, the defendant began to sexually and physically molest her. She described instances of assault and severe punishment following poor school performance. She eventually fled the house and reported the matter to her parents, but she only formally lodged a complaint in 2023 after learning of a similar incident involving another minor in the same church.

Under cross-examination, she confirmed that she had initially confided in her class teacher, Mrs. Akingbeoyewa, about the alleged abuse while still residing with the defendant.

At the conclusion of the testimony, the defense requested an adjournment to acquire the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the witness’s evidence. The prosecution opposed the delay, citing potential emotional distress for the complainant.

Justice Oshodi granted the adjournment but, invoking Section 193 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, awarded a cost of N50,000 in favor of the witness, to be paid by the defense before the next trial date. The case was subsequently adjourned to December 9, 2025, for the continuation of the trial.