Lagos Court Re-Arraigns RCCG Pastor Accused of Abusing 14-Year-Old Girl

A Lagos pastor and lawyer, Aka-Bashorun Olawale Akanni, was re-arraigned on Wednesday before Justice Hakeem Oshodi of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, over allegations of molesting a 14-year-old girl. Akanni, who serves as a pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), faces a one-count charge of indecent treatment of a child brought by the Lagos State Government.

The charge alleges that Akanni fondled the minor’s breasts in the Iwaya area of Lagos, an act said to contravene Section 135 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015. The defendant pleaded not guilty.

During the proceedings, defence counsel Morenikeji Oyekunle requested that Akanni continue on bail granted by a Magistrate’s Court, arguing that he posed no flight risk due to his professional and religious status. The prosecution, led by Funmilola Aluko, opposed the request, calling for a review of the bail terms. Justice Oshodi ultimately upheld the existing bail conditions, directing the defence to ensure Akanni’s consistent attendance at all trial dates.

The complainant, now 27 years old, was present in court to testify. She recounted meeting Akanni through her father, a member of his church, and moving in with his family in 2010 at around eight years old to improve academically and participate in the church choir. She alleged that during her stay, Akanni sexually and physically abused her, fondling her and punishing her harshly for poor academic performance. She later fled and informed her parents, but officially lodged a complaint only in 2023 after learning of another alleged incident involving a minor at the same church. She also stated she had confided in her class teacher at the time about the abuse.

At the close of her testimony, the defence requested an adjournment to obtain a Certified True Copy of her evidence. The prosecution opposed further delay, citing potential emotional distress to the witness. Justice Oshodi granted the adjournment but imposed a N50,000 cost on the defence under Section 193 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL), to be paid before the next sitting. The trial was adjourned until December 9, 2025, for continuation.