Jailed pastor, Israel Oladele Ogundipe (Genesis)’s post-conviction bail application has been refused by Justice Olabisi Akinlade of an Ikeja High Court.
Recall that the judge jailed the popular televangelist, who is the Shepherd-in-Charge of Celestial Church of Christ Global Genesis parish, on November 18.
An America-based architect, Mrs. Olaide Williams-Oni, had accused the convict of obtaining a total of N17m from her with the promise to help her procure some landed property which he never did.
He was convicted on two out of seven counts bordering on fraud and obtaining by false pretence preferred against him by the Lagos State Government.
The judge sentenced the convict to one year in prison on each of the two counts but ruled that they would run concurrently.
However, in a motion on notice for bail pending appeal, Ogundipe asked the court for an order, admitting him to unconditional bail pending the hearing and determination of the appeal of his sentence.
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The application was brought pursuant to Section 6(6) of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).
In a 16-paragraph deposed to by his counsel, Olanrewaju Ajanaku, he said he was suffering from diabetes.
The applicant argued that his health has deteriorated at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre where he is serving his jail term as he could not follow a strict diet and due to lack of specialised medical attention his condition required.
He added that he has since his incarceration developed hypertension, peptic ulcer and unending malaria.
However, Justice Akinlade refused his application.
”The convict has not shown any medical records of his illness. Also, he has not been to the prison hospital for treatment. So his appeal can be heard early by the Court of Appeal,” the judge ruled.
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