Court orders accelerated hearing in Christ Apostolic Church leadership tussle suit

A Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan on Thursday ordered an accelerated hearing in a suit filed by the Incorporated Trustee of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Nigeria, over the leadership tussle.

The Incorporated Trustee of CAC had filed a suit against some members, challenging the leadership of the church.

The trustees also accused the members of operating an account for the church with First Bank Orita-Challenge, Ibadan branch, with Account Number 2006350017.

The respondents in the suit are Pastors Henry Ojo, J.D.Onagiwa, Emmanuel Aladesaiye, S.O. S.O.Ogundare, A.O. Akande, and First Bank Plc.

Supreme News reports that the plaintiff was represented by Mr. Kayode Abiodun, while the 1st to 5th respondents were represented by Mr. Emmanuel Aransiola.

The sixth respondent, First Bank, was, however, not represented by any counsel

At Thursday’s proceedings, Justice Ekerete Akpan ordered an accelerated hearing in the suit after refusing to grant the plaintiff’s motion to restrain the respondents from tampering with the church account, pending the determination of the suit.

Akpan said granting the motion at this stage of the proceedings would amount to delving into the substantive suit.

“The application lacks merit and is hereby dismissed.

“I hereby order an accelerated hearing of the matter,” he said.

Akpan adjourned the case until May 22 for hearing and also ordered notice of service of the hearing date on First Bank plc.