The Police have arrested a man, Basiru Abubakar, 20, and Peter Friday, 18, after they were caught inside the Church stealing Bibles, hymn books, ushers books and others for undisclosed purposes in Ekiti State.
P.M.EXPRESS reports the incident happened at the Church located at Bank Road, Ado Ekiti, owned by Ms Adedokun Esther.
The suspects were charged before the Ado Ekiti Magistrates Court on Monday 1st August, 2022, for conspiracy and stealing 20 Bibles, 7 hymns books, undisclosed number of ushers books and other church items.
The Prosecuting Counsel, Inspector Oriyomi Akinwale, told the Court that the defendants committed the offence on 27th July, 2022, at about 11am at the Bank Road Area of Ado-Ekiti during the Church service.
The prosecutor also informed the Court that the defendants stole tambourine, stickers, church banners, tithe cards and offering envelopes all worth about N150,000 belonging to Ms Adedokun Esther.
The prosecution explained that the items were displayed outside the Church for sale during a programme and the offence contravened the provisions of Section 302(1) (a) of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.
The prosecutor asked the Court for adjournment to enable him to study the case file and present his witnesses.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Defence Counsel, Mrs. Funmilayo Akinwumi, asked the Court to grant the defendants bail in the most liberal terms.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr. Bankole Oluwasanmi, granted them bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety each in like sum.
They were remanded in custody pending when they will perfect their bail conditions while the matter was adjourned till 2nd September, 2022, for hearing.