Pastor Remanded in Prison Over Alleged Threat to Mother’s Life

The presiding pastor of Tree of Life Bible Church in Irete, Owerri West Local Government Area, Ebere Emmanuel Amadi, has been remanded in prison after being arraigned in court. His arrest followed weeks of evading police apprehension.

The Ogbaku Police Station detained Pastor Amadi after his mother, Mrs. Nelly Chidinma Amadi, accused him of assault, molestation, and threatening her life over family property. The pastor had previously jumped administrative bail granted by the Scorpion Squad Office, prompting police to intensify efforts to rearrest him.

The Imo State Police Command subsequently filed a court case against Pastor Amadi. The charges, detailed in case MID/31C/2024, allege that he stole property documents belonging to his mother, maliciously damaged her medicated eyeglasses valued at ₦60,000, and forcibly entered her compound, defacing it with inscriptions such as “This House is Not For Sale” and “Beware of 419.” These offenses violate various sections of the Criminal Code applicable in Imo State.

During the court proceedings, the defense counsel, Barrister Osuocha, pleaded for bail, arguing that the case was a family matter that could be resolved amicably. Prosecutor Maria Goretti Nosiri did not oppose the bail request. Consequently, Magistrate Alamezie granted bail set at ₦500,000, requiring a surety who must be a Level 10 officer in the Imo State Civil Service and provide valid identification.

However, the defendant was remanded at the Nigeria Correctional Centre in Owerri as he failed to meet the bail conditions. Pastor Amadi, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, will face a hearing on January 24, 2025.