An Ile-Ife Magistrates’ Court yesterday remanded a 47-year-old pastor, identified as Joshua Ayobami, over the alleged murder of a widow with whom he had had an amorous relationship.

The court did not take plea from Pastor Ayobami.

The Magistrate, Risikat Olayemi, ordered that the suspect be kept behind bars pending the legal advice from the office of the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP.

The Chief Magistrate adjourned the case to March 9 for mention.

The police prosecutor, Insp Elisha Olusegun had told the court that the accused committed the crime on January 11, at 1.45 a.m. at Christ Evangelical Ministry Church, Fashina Area, Ile-Ife.

He further explained that the accused strangulated one Racheal Ajayi, a widow and an official of the Nigeria Prisons Service, NPS, which led to her death.

Olusegun also noted that the offence contravened sections 316 and 319 (1) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol 11, Laws of Osun, 2003.