Ebere Emmanuel Amadi, the presiding Pastor of the Tree of Life Bible Church in Irete, Owerri West Local Government Area, has been arraigned in court following accusations from his mother, Mrs. Nelly Chidinma Amadi, leading to his arrest by authorities at the Ogbaku Police Station.
The pastor is facing serious charges, including assault, molestation, and threats to his mother’s life, allegedly related to family property disputes.
Amadi had previously evaded administrative bail issued by the Scorpion Squad, resulting in intensified police efforts for his re-arrest. Following his capture, the Imo State Police Command filed a formal complaint against him, citing multiple offenses including the theft of property documents and destruction of property belonging to his mother.
The charges outlined in case number MID/31C/2024 detail the following:
- Count I: Theft of property documents belonging to Nelly Amadi, an offense punishable under Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code.
- Count II: Malicious damage of medicated eyeglasses valued at N60,000, also punishable under Section 451 of the Criminal Code.
- Count III: Causing a breach of peace by forcibly entering his mother’s property, with graffiti containing messages such as “This House is Not For Sale” and “Beware of 419,” an offense punishable under Section 249(d) of the Criminal Code.
During the court proceedings, the defendant’s attorney, Barrister Osuocha, requested bail on the grounds that the matter was a familial issue potentially resolvable outside court.
The court subsequently granted Amadi bail set at N500,000, contingent upon the provision of a surety who must be a Level 10 Officer in the Imo State Civil Service, along with valid identification.
However, due to the lack of available surety, the prosecuting officer, Nosiri, took Amadi to the Nigeria Correctional Centre in Owerri. The court has scheduled the next hearing for January 24, 2025, as the pastor has pleaded not guilty to the charges presented.
