KINGSLEY EBERE
Three security guards employed by St. Agnes Catholic Church, Maryland area of Lagos, have been arrested and charged for allegedly conspiring and stealing money from the offering box at the church’s chapel.
P.M.EXPRESS reports the suspects, Victor Odeh, 22; Jeremiah Negedu 32; Ubi Mbeh, 40; and Idris Olatunji, 44, are standing trial on a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and burglary under the Criminal Laws of the State.
They were charged before the Magistrate Court over their alleged conduct.
The prosecutor, Inspector Sunday Bassey, told the Court that the defendants committed the offences on 1st July at about 1:00 am, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Maryland, Lagos.
He said that the defendants conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace by entering the church premises and stealing ₦250,000 from the offering box and 50 litres of diesel worth ₦50,000.
“The defendants, who are all security men of the church, connived with the last defendant, Olatunji, to come into the premises to steal from the church’s chapel, having discovered that there was money in the offering box.”
“Olatunji pretended that he was bringing in a sick patient to the Church”s hospital and with the help of others, gained entrance into the chapel with their own key.”
“Then they opened the offering box to take the money. They also took 50 liters of diesel,” Bassey stated.
He said that the offences contravened Sections 287, 311 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos, 2015. Section 311 stipulates imprisonment for 7 years for anyone who breaks into a building ordinarily used for religious worship and commits a felony.
The defendants pleaded not guilty.
The Magistrate, M.O Tanimola, granted the defendants bail for ₦100,000 each with two sureties in like sum. The Court ordered that the sureties should be gainfully employed and reside within the Court’s jurisdiction.
The matter was adjourned till 16th July, 2024, for mention while the defendants were remanded in custody pending when they will perfect their bail conditions.