The Government of Kaduna State has filed criminal charges against an Anglican Bishop for criticizing Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
Bishop Abiodun Ogunyemi of the Zaria diocese of the Anglican Communion was arraigned before a magistrate court in Kaduna over defamatory remarks against the state governor.
The Bishop was arraigned on charges bordering on defamation, injurious falsehood and criminal intimidation.
According to the charges, Bishop Ogunyemi had criticized the El-Rufai when he announced the planned demolition of St George Cathedral in Zaria. The state government did not go ahead with the planned demolition due to the historical value of the cathedral which is more than 110 years old.
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He stated at the time that although El-Rufai was being groomed to take over from President Muhammadu Buhari, the Governor will never become the President of Nigeria.
Bishop Ogunyemi was arraigned by the Police with permission from the Kaduna State Ministry of Justice. He pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail by the presiding Magistrate with the canon of the Cathedral Church of St. Michael Kaduna, standing in as surety for him.
The State Director of Public Prosecutions however informed the court that efforts were being made to settle the case amicably out of court and the case was adjourned until October 28, 2020.