A High Court in Gwagwalada, Abuja, has dismissed a five-count criminal charge against Rev. Dr. Israel Akanji, former Resident Pastor of First Baptist Church, Garki, and five others over lack of diligent prosecution by the police.
The charges, filed by the police and marked CR/1045/24, accused Rev. Akanji and co-defendants — Rev. Thomas Ekugbene Takpatore, Mr. Babatunde Adebayo, Mrs. Adenike Adebayo, Mr. Oladele Afolabi, and Mrs. Gloria Olotu — of conspiracy, forgery, and misappropriation of church funds.
The defendants were alleged to have forged an amended version of the church’s constitution in 2021 and falsely attributed it to the late Akin Aina, the church’s former legal adviser. They were also accused of misappropriating ₦620 million belonging to the church between 2012 and 2021.
The charges were based on alleged violations of various sections of the Penal Code, including criminal conspiracy, forgery, breach of trust, and fraudulent conversion.
However, the case was struck out on Thursday after the court found that the police failed to pursue the prosecution diligently.
The development brings temporary relief to the defendants, although it remains unclear whether the police intend to refile the case or take further legal action.
