Pastor arraigned over death of six-year-old who fell into uncovered well

A 63-year-old cleric, Olatunde Alao, was on Monday arraigned before the Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, over alleged negligence that led to the death of a six-year-old girl on his church premises.

Mr Alao, whose residential address was not disclosed, pleaded not guilty to a charge of negligence.

The prosecutor, Insp. Sikiru Opaleye, told the court that the incident occurred on December 27, 2025, at the defendant’s church in the Adogba area of Ibadan.

He alleged that the cleric failed to properly cover a well within the church premises, into which the victim, Ademide Adewale, reportedly fell and died.

According to the prosecutor, the offence contravenes Section 344 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

Counsel to the defendant, Femi Kasumu, applied for bail on liberal terms.

Ruling on the application, the Chief Magistrate, Olabisi Ogunkanmi, granted Mr Alao bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties in like sum, one of whom must be a blood relative.

The court adjourned the matter until March 11 for hearing.