An Ekiti State Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ado Ekiti District has granted bail to one Pastor Noah Abraham of Christ High Commission Ministry, who was arraigned for allegedly asking church members to pay N310,000 to qualify for rapture.The defendant, who recently relocated from Kaduna State to a camp at the Omuo Oke Ekiti area in Ekiti State, was arraigned on one count of false pretense and intent to defraud.

The charge reads, “That you, Pastor Noah Abraham on 27th April, 2022 at Omuo Oke Ekiti in Omuo Magisterial District, did by false pretence and intent to defraud, presented yourself to your congregation at Christ High Commission Ministry as capable of taking them to heaven before rapture, upon payment of money ranging from N300,000 to N310,000.

“The offence contravenes Section 416 of the Criminal law of Ekiti State, 2012.”When the charge was read, interpreted and explained to the cleric, he said he understood the charge but pleaded not guilty.

His counsel, Adunni Olanipekun, prayed the court to grant his client bail, saying he was ready to provide reliable surety or sureties and ensure his availability in court until determination of the case.

The police prosecutor, Inspector Johnson Okunade, did not oppose the bail application, but urged the court to exercise its discretion in granting or refusing the bail.In his ruling, the magistrate, Titilola Olaolorun, granted bail to the defendant in the sum N100,000 with two sureties in the like sum, adding that the sureties must possess Nigerian National Identity Card.Olaolorun adjourned the matter till May 24, 2022 for mention.