Two Charged with Unlawful Demolition of Abuja Church Building

Two individuals, Aminu Nura, 45, and John Matthew, 34, both employed by Dantata Town Development Company Limited in Kubwa, Abuja, have been presented before the Wuse Zone II Magistrates’ Court and charged with unlawfully demolishing a church building.

The alleged incident took place in December 2022.

The defendants faced a three-count charge including criminal conspiracy, mischief, and criminal trespass, as they were arraigned by the police. Nura and Matthew pleaded not guilty during the court proceedings.

The prosecution, represented by E.A Inegbenoise, outlined that the case was brought to light through complaints filed by Mr. Cyprian Effa and Mrs. Shola Ademola at the Kubwa Division of Abuja Police Command on January 22. Inegbenoise asserted that the defendants collaborated to unlawfully gain entry to a property in Kubwa, Abuja, employing a bulldozer to demolish a church building without legal justification.

The demolition resulted in the destruction of valuable church musical instruments and other belongings owned by the complainants. The total cost of the losses incurred has yet to be quantified. The alleged actions of the defendants are said to be in violation of sections 96, 326, and 342 of the Penal Code.

Responding to the charges, the defense counsel, Mr. Ofem Obeter, made an impromptu request for the defendants’ bail. He contended that the legal action should have been directed towards Dantata Company rather than his clients, who were merely employees of the organization.

Magistrate Theresa Nten Otu presided over the case, ordering the remand of the defendants in prison. Additionally, she instructed the defense counsel to formally submit the bail application.

The court proceedings were adjourned, with the next hearing scheduled for September 12.

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