MICHAEL AKINOLA
An Iyaganku Magistrate Court in Ibadan on Friday sentenced a church security guard, Abiodun Ajetomobi of Mercy Camp Praying Ground, to imprisonment for stealing a mobile phone belonging to a worshipper. The case has sparked conversations about trust within religious institutions.
The guard was arraigned on a one-count charge of stealing. He appeared before Magistrate A. T. Oyediji and pleaded guilty to the offence. His admission of guilt allowed the court to proceed directly to judgment without a full trial.
Following his plea, the court found him guilty and convicted him accordingly.
In her ruling, the magistrate sentenced him to a term of imprisonment. She noted that the offence involved a clear breach of trust because the complainant had handed over his personal property expecting it would be protected.
However, the court gave the convict an option of community service instead of serving a custodial sentence. The magistrate explained that the alternative was considered to allow for rehabilitation while still holding the offender accountable for his actions.
Prosecuting officer, ASP Foluke Adedosu, told the court that the convict resides at Iwo Road, Ibadan, and has worked as a security guard at Mercy Camp Praying Ground along the New Ife-Ibadan Expressway in Osengere for several years. The praying ground regularly hosts large congregations for prayer meetings and religious programmes.
According to the prosecutor, the incident occurred within the premises of the praying ground during a church service. Worshippers had gathered for prayers when the complainant approached the guard for assistance. It is common for ushers and security personnel to help members with personal items during services.
Adedosu said that the complainant, Busari Qadri, who is visually impaired, had handed his mobile phone to the convict for safekeeping and charging in his office. The complainant relied on the guard because of his role and years of presence at the praying ground.
The court heard that instead of returning the device, the security guard allegedly absconded with the phone to an unknown location. The action left the complainant unable to contact family members and friends. For a person with visual impairment, losing a phone also means losing a critical tool for communication and movement.
The prosecutor stated that the matter was reported to the Police, who commenced investigations immediately. Through tracking efforts, officers were able to locate and arrest the suspect in connection with the theft. The device had not been recovered as at the time of arraignment.
Adedosu noted that the offence contravened the Criminal Law of Oyo State, which prescribes punishment for stealing. She urged the court to consider the vulnerability of the complainant and the position of trust occupied by the convict.
In her ruling, Magistrate Oyediji said the court considered the plea of guilt and the circumstances surrounding the offence before passing sentence. She stressed that places of worship must remain safe spaces where members can worship without fear of exploitation by those entrusted with responsibilities.
The case has drawn attention to the need for better accountability and supervision within religious centres. Church leaders are now being advised to put clear policies in place for handling members’ belongings, especially when vulnerable persons are involved, to prevent similar incidents in the future.