A 43-year-old man, Emmanuel Ola, has been arraigned before the Ogba Magistrate Court, Lagos, for allegedly aiding the escape of a suspect he stood surety for Pastor Eric Otabil Addo who was detained over allegations of conspiracy, assault occasioning harm, and defilement.
The Pastor Addo was arrested and detained at the Gender Section of the Lagos State Police Command in Ikeja on May 19, 2025. He was later granted administrative bail in the sum of ₦500,000, with Emmanuel Ola standing in as surety.
Ola reportedly assured the police that Pastor Addo was a “man of God” who would not jump bail and undertook to produce him whenever required. However, after his release, Pastor Addo allegedly fled, sensing that the weight of evidence against him could lead to imprisonment. He reportedly packed some personal belongings and disappeared without notifying his surety, church members, or the police. All communication with him was severed, and his whereabouts remain unknown.
When the police requested that Ola produce the suspect, he admitted he could no longer trace Pastor Addo. As a result, Ola was arrested and charged before the court on a two-count charge for aiding escape and obstructing the course of justice.
The charges read in part:
Ola pleaded not guilty to both counts. The prosecutor, Supol Phillip Ademigbuji, asked the court for a hearing date to enable the prosecution to present its case.
Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. O. Kusanu, granted bail to Ola with two sureties. The sureties are required to show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment, and their addresses are to be verified by the court.
The matter was adjourned for mention, while Ola was remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions.