Prophet Sotitobire may stay longer in prison as CJN takes measures against Corona Virus

There are indications that the founder of Sotitobire Miracle Centre, Akure, Prophet Babatunde Alfa and six others may spend more that expected days at the Nigerian Correctional Center, Olokuta, Akure  and his hope of having an accelerated hearing of his case before an Ondo state high court may be dashed as the Chief Justice of Nigeria has order the suspension of court sittings nationwide from Tuesday, 24th,March 2020 till the next fourteen days.

Except if the spread of the pandemic is quickly contained following preventive measures taken so far by the federal and state governments, there is probability that the state high court may not be sitting till further notice to entertain the continuation of his suit .

Prophet Alfa and six others are facing trial before Ondo state high court presided over by Justice Olusegun Odusola on three counts involving kidnapping of a missing one year old boy in his church in November 2019.

The prosecution led by the ondo state attorney general and commissioner for justice, Adekola Olawoye SAN had opened its case and had so far presented three out of seven witnesses to give evidence against Prophet Alfa.

The court adjourned the continuation of hearing till April 6th as Justice Odusola had promised accelerated hearing and dispensation of Justice on the case.

Meanwhile, The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Muhammad has however directed the suspension of judicial activities in courts nationwide from Tuesday till April 6th, ‘ for an initial period of two weeks at the first instance,’  which is the exact day the court is expected to sit over prophet Alfa’s case.

The implication of this is that the CJN may extend the directive to halt court sittings if it is not safe for any gathering of people.

Justice Muhammad, in a directive on Monday in his capacity as the CJN and Chairman, National Judicial Council (NJC), said the need to urgently halt court sittings throughout the country was informed by the glaring threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He noted that the reality of the COVID-19 was already being felt in the country and there was an urgent need to take further preventive steps.

In a statement by spokesman of the Supreme Court, Dr. Festus Akande, the CJN directed all courts’ heads to give effect to his directive by March 24, 2020.

The statement reads “Further to my earlier circular Ref. No. NJC/CIR/HOC/II/629 dated 20th March, 2020, on the above subject matter.

“In view of the reality of the COVID-19 in the country and in order to take further preventive steps, all heads of courts are, from tomorrow, the 24th day of March, 2020, directed to suspend Court sittings for an initial period of two weeks at the first instance, except in matters that are urgent, essential or time bound according to our extant laws.

Your Lordships are hereby directed to bring the content of this Circular to the notice of all Stakeholders in justice administration, please.” the statement reads .

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