Trial begins for former executive director of Legacy Christian Academy

The trial for the former executive director of Legacy Christian Academy, John Olubobokun, started Monday at Saskatoon’s provincial court.

Olubobokun faces several charges of assault with a weapon in connection to incidents alleged at the Saskatoon private school, formerly known as Christian Centre Academy.

Outside the courthouse, former student Caitlin Erickson said observing the legal process is a cathartic experience for students who have shared their stories.

Caitlin Erickson speaks to the media outside Saskatoon’s provincial courthouse during a previous court date. (Mia Holowaychuk/650 CKOM)

“(We) hope that the justice system does what it’s supposed to do,” she said.

Erickson is also involved in a $25 million class action lawsuit filed in Court of King’s Bench by several former students alleging both physical and sexual abuse at the school.

The school’s former principal Duff Friesen, is also facing similar charges to Olubobokun.

Due to a publication ban, some evidence and testimony presented at Olubobokun’s trial later this month cannot be reported to ensure fairness for Friesen’s upcoming jury trial at King’s Bench.

The pre-trial conference for Friesen is set for June 21.

Another former principal of the school, Ken Schultz, will face a jury at King’s Bench in October after pleading not guilty to charges of sexual assault and assault with a weapon.

In January, Aaron Travis Benneweis, the former athletic director of Legacy Christian Academy, was given a sentence of two years less a day after he pleaded guilty to sexual assault and sexual exploitation of a minor during his time working at the school.