The Kaduna State Government has filed criminal charges against the Anglican bishop of Zaria diocese Rt. Rev. Abiodun Ogunyemi for “defamatory remarks” against Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
Ogunyemi was arraigned on August 4 before a Chief Magistrate Court in Kaduna on charges bordering on criminal defamation, injurious falsehood and criminal intimidation.
The bishop had criticised Mr El-Rufai in a statement in November last year following a government directive that the Cathedral Church of St George in Zaria be demolished.
Ogunyemi alleged the governor was being groomed to take over from President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023 but he would never be president.
The government then rescinded its order to demolish the 110-year-old cathedral because of its historical value.
However, following several interrogations by the police, Ogunyemi was arraigned on the advice of the State Ministry of Justice.
He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail.
A member of the Kaduna Synod and canon of the Cathedral Church of St Michael Kaduna stood in as surety.
On August 17, the lead prosecutor who is the state director of public prosecutions told the court that there were consultations going on which could lead to peaceful resolution of the case and requested for an adjournment.
Chancellor of Zaria and defence counsel John Omughele agreed.
The case has been adjourned to October 28 for continuation.
