Court Grants Pastor Ezekiel Relief on Frozen Accounts
On Thursday, May 19, Magistrate Benmark Ekhubi ordered the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) to conclude its investigation into New Life International Church Pastor Ezekiel Oder within fourteen days.
Pastor Ezekiel requested, via his attorneys, that the investigation period for suspected money laundering be shortened from 30 to 15 days to expedite his church’s activities.
Thus, Odero’s bank accounts will be frozen for fourteen days, with the directive expiring on May 21.
In the ruling, however, Magistrate Ekhubi ordered all parties to appear in court on Monday, May 22, when the case will be mentioned for additional directives and orders.
“I’ll instruct you to return on Monday, as the orders expire on Sunday. “I will extend the orders until Monday,” ruled the judge.
In response to whether the court was within its legal rights to freeze Pastor Ezekiel’s accounts. Magistrate Ekhubi stated that the law permitted him to issue the orders to the police.
ALSO READ: Shakahola Exhumation Team Demands Fair Compensation and Counseling
This occurred after Pastor Ezekiel’s attorney, Dunstan Omari, complained that the police deceived the court into issuing the orders.
Equally, Magistrate Ekhubi rejected the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution’s (ODPP) preliminary objection to Pastor Ezekiel’s application.
The Prosecution argued that the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) required additional time to review the evidence.
In addition, the Magistrate will rule on an application. In which Pastor Ezekiel requested access to some of his bank accounts while the investigation continued.
Pastor Ezekiel petitioned the Magistrate for permission to withdraw up to Ksh50 million. From the frozen accounts on Tuesday, May 16.
The affidavit states, “These bank accounts are a lifeline for numerous disadvantaged individuals, and closing them would impose an undue burden on these individuals, condemning them to significant hardships and struggles.”
Due to the ongoing investigation, he argued that his schools and sanctuary could not meet their financial obligations.
Odero lamented, “The cash flow issues caused by the freezing of the Applicant’s accounts harm the workers and students affiliated with New Life Prayer Centre & church and Kilifi international school.”
Court Grants Pastor Ezekiel Relief on Frozen Accounts
HEY READER. PLEASE SUPPORT THIS SITE BY CLICKING ADS. DON’T FORGET TO HIT THE NOTIFICATION BELL FOR MORE UPDATES AROUND THE GLOBE.
