From TINA STEPHEN, Port Harcourt
The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has granted bail to Pastor Christian Owhonda of Winners Chapel International (Living Faith Church), who was arraigned on charges of forging the signature of the late Chief Godson Orlu in connection with a disputed parcel of land in Rivers State.
The presiding judge, Justice S.I. Mark, granted bail to Pastor Owhonda after his counsel stood as surety.
The matter was adjourned to January 27, 2026, for further hearing.
According to court documents, Pastor Owhonda allegedly forged the signature of the late Chief Orlu on a Deed of Grant purportedly transferring ownership of a piece of land belonging to the Worlumejuru family.
The property, located at No. 32 Olu Obasanjo Road, Mile 3, Diobu, Port Harcourt, reportedly measures 96 feet by 17 feet and contained five shop buildings.
Sources close to the investigation claimed that the signature presented by the defendant did not match verified samples of the late chief’s signature on other official documents.
Family members of the deceased denied ever transferring the land to Pastor Owhonda.
Chike Orlu, the late chief’s son, alleged that the pastor once offered him ₦500,000 to validate the disputed signature.
In a formal statement to the police, the widow of the late Chief Orlu also insisted that her husband never allocated any land to Owhonda and reaffirmed that the signature on the document was forged.