How Pastor Bolted Away After Church Member Stood As Surety Over N2m Fraud

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

A Lagos based clergyman, Pastor Dickson Godwin, reportedly ran away and went into hiding after he was arrested by the Police operatives over N2m fraud and one of his Church members, Richard Ehikheboh, stood as his surety as he was granted bail. 

P.M.EXPRESS reports that Pastor Godwin lied to his Church member, Richard Ehikheboh, that he was not involved in the alleged fraud, which prompted him to stand as surety for him.

Pastor Godwin was arrested and detained by the Police at Human Rights Resources Centre within the Ikeja Police Command for conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretence. 

He initially denied but when he saw the weight of evidence against him, he issued a bank cheque to the tune of the said sum so as to effect his release from Police custody.

He was granted bail and asked to bring a surety. He then brought Richard Ehikheboh, who stood for him and he was released on the condition that if he did not pay the money, Richard will pay.

However, having realised the overwhelmingly evidence against him, which may likely sent him to prison, he secretly parked his properties and sneaked out of Lagos to an unknown place. He also disconnected every communication from Richard, which has landed him in trouble.

When the Police asked Richard to produce him as he promised, he told the Police that the Pastor ran away and he could not find him.

The Police then asked him to bring the N2m, which he entered into bond if Pastor Godwin failed to pay and he said he had no such money.

He was then arrested and charged before the Ogba Magistrates Court for aiding the escape of Pastor Godwin. 

He pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Inspector Innocent Eriada, asked the Court to give a date for trial to enable the Police to prove that he actually committed the alleged offence.

The Presiding Magistrate granted him bail and ordered his remand in Correctional Centre pending when he will perfect his bail condition.

The matter was adjourned till 6th May, 2021, for mention.