An Ikeja High Court on Tuesday refused the post-conviction bail application filed by head of Genesis Parish of the Celestial Church of Christ, Alagbado, Lagos Prophet Israel Ogundipe.
Ogundipe was on November 18 sentenced to a year in prison after being found guilty of the offences of conversion of property not delivered and stealing.
The televangelist, however, in a motion on notice for bail pending appeal asked the court for an order admitting him to unconditional bail, pending the hearing and determination of the appeal of his sentence.
Justice Olabisi Akinlade dismissed the application which was brought pursuant to Section 6(6) of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, paving way for the convict to continue serving his sentence at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre.
In a 16-paragraph affidavit sworn by his counsel Olanrewaju Ajanaku which is in support of his bail application, the televangelist said he was suffering from diabetes.
He noted that he could not follow a strict diet and the constant specialised medical attention in custody and this has taken a toll on his health.
He also noted that prior to his incarceration, he was suffering from hypertension, peptic ulcer and unending malaria which had worsened his health challenges since his November 18 conviction.
The state in its counter-affidavit which was sworn by the prosecutor Rotimi Odutola prayed the court to refuse the application of the convict.
However, ruling on the application, the court held that Ogundipe had not proved any special circumstances that could persuade the court to do so.
The judge noted that the Court of Appeal Practice Direction 2013 provides for quick hearing of criminal matters.
