The Lagos State Government has arraigned a man, Olusola Shedrach, before the State High Court sitting in Ikeja over the alleged unlawful takeover and destruction of a church property along the Gbagada–Oworonshoki Expressway.

Shedrach was docked before Justice Hakeem Oshodi on a three-count charge bordering on forceful entry, malicious damage, and conduct likely to breach public peace.

At the commencement of proceedings, the state prosecutor, Olufunmilayo Aluko, informed the court that the prosecution was prepared for arraignment and urged the court to read the charges to the defendant for his plea.

The court subsequently granted the request, and the charges were read in open court.

According to the prosecution, the defendant allegedly took over a property belonging to Harvesters Church without lawful authority and damaged items within the premises. He was also accused of engaging in actions capable of disturbing public order.

The prosecutor told the court that the alleged offences contravene Section 2(1) of the Lagos State Properties Protection Law, 2016, as well as Sections 350 and 168(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Following his plea, defence counsel, O. Odueso, sought a short adjournment to enable the defence to file and argue a bail application.

The prosecution did not oppose the request.

In his ruling, Justice Oshodi adjourned the matter till April 22, 2026, for the hearing of the bail application and fixed June 17, 2026, for the commencement of trial.